Fintiri Reaffirms Adamawa’s Leadership In Livestock Development

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has reaffirmed the state’s historic leadership in livestock development, noting that for centuries its plains, rivers, and grazing fields have sustained a vibrant culture of pastoralism and mixed farming.

Speaking on Monday, 24 November 2025, during the opening of the maiden National Council on Livestock Development (NCLD) at the Government House Banquet Hall, Yola, Governor Fintiri, represented by Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa George Farauta, highlighted Adamawa’s pioneering role as the first state in Nigeria to establish a dedicated Ministry for Livestock Development.

He stressed that livestock remains central to household livelihoods, nutrition, trade, and employment, adding that rising national demand for animal protein makes investment in the sector both urgent and strategic.

“Investing in livestock will reduce imports, create jobs, boost incomes, enhance food security, and strengthen global competitiveness,” he said.

Governor Fintiri further noted that improved livestock systems would expand access to affordable protein while bolstering Nigeria’s capacity to control zoonotic diseases. He described the council meeting as timely and called for deeper collaboration among all levels of government, the private sector, development partners, and researchers.

He also urged the Presidency to reconsider Adamawa’s Natural Resource Fund Grant Application submitted in May 2024, aimed at improving livestock productivity and reducing herder–farmer conflicts through better use of grazing reserves.

Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Muktar Maiha, expressed delight at hosting the historic first council meeting in Adamawa, praising the Fintiri administration for its “radical and innovative” work in reclaiming grazing reserves, restoring stock routes, and promoting peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and farmers.

Maiha noted that Adamawa hosts one of the largest and most diverse livestock populations in Nigeria and remains the nation’s trailblazer in livestock governance. He said the Council represents a national commitment to transform the sector into a driver of economic diversification, food security, rural development, and sustainable peace.

The event featured the inauguration of the National Council on Livestock Development and its Technical Committee, followed by an exhibition tour led by Deputy Governor Farauta. Earlier, Minister Maiha paid a courtesy visit to the state government ahead of the opening ceremony.