The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has urged key stakeholders in Nigeria’s livestock sector to work together to address ongoing challenges, particularly the persistent farmer-herder conflicts. Speaking at the opening of a two-day Focus Group Discussion on Sustainable Livestock Development, Maiha emphasized the critical need for collaboration to bring about meaningful change. He noted that cooperation among all sector players is essential for implementing practical solutions that benefit both the livestock industry and the country as a whole.
Maiha highlighted the goal of the meeting to aggregate ideas from a carefully selected group of stakeholders with practical experience in various disciplines. He stressed that the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock by President Bola Tinubu was a direct response to the urgent need for reform, particularly in resolving farmer-herder conflicts that have disrupted agricultural activities in several regions. The minister pointed out that Nigerians are demanding tangible changes, including the reduction of these conflicts and the improvement of the availability and affordability of livestock products such as beef, dairy, poultry, and pork.
Addressing the ongoing struggles in the livestock sector, Maiha urged that the time for lamentation has passed, and the focus should now be on creating and implementing solutions. “We must come together and provide tangible results; we cannot afford to fail,” he stated. The minister reiterated that all stakeholders, including those from academia, the private sector, donors, and other government ministries, will be engaged in the Ministry’s efforts to transform the sector and address pressing challenges.
In his remarks, Maiha assured the participants that the Ministry is committed to transparency and action, with a strong focus on results. He emphasized that the government is ready to swiftly implement the recommendations made during the discussions. He also expressed the Ministry’s dedication to being open and consultative, inviting honest discussions from all involved parties. “We will be open, transparent, consultative and result-driven,” Maiha affirmed.
The two-day discussion will focus on key themes such as animal health and breeding, livestock entrepreneurship, feed and fodder development, and the creation of grazing reserves. Maiha urged participants to provide precise, actionable recommendations that can lead to effective outcomes. He reassured them that the Ministry is committed to promptly implementing all accepted recommendations, utilizing the resources available, to improve the livestock sector and contribute to the nation’s overall development.
