Minister Pledges Support For Adamawa’s Livestock Development

The minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, has expressed the federal government’s commitment to unlocking the livestock potential of Adamawa State while addressing challenges such as farmer-herder conflicts and transboundary animal diseases.

He made the pledge at the weekend in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Adamawa State Ministry of Livestock, led by state commissioner, Tijjani Maksha.

Maksha conveyed Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s congratulations to the minister on his appointment as the pioneer head of the ministry, lauding President Bola Tinubu for the strategic decision.

Muktar commended Adamawa State’s proactive efforts in livestock management and conflict resolution, pledging federal government’s partnership to strengthen grazing reserves, enhance breed improvement centres and boost agricultural productivity.

He also praised the state’s standing committee on farmer-herder conflicts, describing it as a model for fostering communal harmony.

“The federal government is ready to provide technical and operational support to improve mediation mechanisms, combat transboundary diseases and promote sustainable solutions for livestock and fisheries,” the minister said.

During the visit, the permanent secretary of the Adamawa State Ministry of Livestock, Mohammed Suleiman, outlined the state’s achievements and challenges in livestock management.

Suleiman disclosed that Adamawa generates over N120 billion annually from selling more than 240,000 cattle, with plans underway to standardise products for greater economic value.

Key initiatives include reviving 69 grazing reserves, establishing breed improvement centres in collaboration with academic institutions, and upgrading abattoir facilities.

Suleiman also highlighted plans to develop a fish hatchery to reduce reliance on imported fingerlings, leveraging the state’s extensive river networks.

The federal government’s support will encompass capacity building, disease control and operational assistance, aiming to enhance Adamawa’s role as a livestock hub and strengthen the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.