THE Presidential Committee on Livestock Sector Reforms Implementation has today presented its initial report to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
After the meeting, the Committee Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, who is also a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), informed journalists that the report outlines ways the Nigerian government can effectively utilize the livestock industry.
The 152-page document includes recommendations for addressing farmer-herder conflicts nationwide.
Professor Jega emphasized that immediately halting open grazing, a traditional pastoral practice, would be counterproductive.
He suggested that ranching and open grazing could coexist temporarily until there is greater awareness and improved infrastructure to support full ranching.
The committee has proposed a ten-year plan aimed at significantly enhancing the livestock sector in Nigeria, along with the adoption of advanced technologies in livestock production.
Additionally, the report provides comprehensive guidance on the operations of the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock, announced by President Tinubu.
The committee’s findings are expected to be publicly released soon to gather additional input from the community.
President Tinubu had inaugurated the committee in July to tackle challenges in agricultural productivity and create new opportunities benefiting farmers, herders, processors, and distributors within the livestock value chain.