Gombe, FG Deepen Partnership On Livestock Development

Gombe State continues to lead the charge in livestock sector transformation in collaboration with the Federal Government in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Gombe State Government received a high-level delegation from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to accelerate implementation of federal interventions in the state’s livestock transformation plan, particularly within the expansive Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve.

The federal team from the Office of the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, undertook a comprehensive follow-up assessment of infrastructure and ongoing works at the 146,000-hectare grazing reserve, one of the largest in West Africa.
The team, led by Mr. Abubakar Sadiq, included technical officers from the ministry.
During the inspection, the team assessed key infrastructure including a veterinary clinic, a primary healthcare centre, a milk collection facility, and a nomadic primary school, among others. These facilities are expected to be upgraded as part of the revitalization plan to transform Wawa-Zange into a model livestock development hub.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq expressed the Federal Government’s satisfaction with the progress made in Gombe under Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership. He reaffirmed the Honourable Minister’s commitment to supporting the state and the L-PRES project to actualize the livestock transformation goals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We are here with a threefold mandate: first, to inspect and assess existing facilities; second, to obtain the comprehensive development plan for the reserve; and third, to study the engineering design for the water canalization project that seeks to channel water from River Gongola into the reserve,” he stated.
Mr. Sadiq commended the Gombe State Government and the L-PRES team for their commitment to modernizing livestock production and creating a sustainable business environment for pastoralists and investors alike.

It will be recalled that the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, recently visited Wawa-Zange as part of the activities marking the groundbreaking ceremony for the 184-hectare Gombe Agro-Livestock Development Zone, which includes an Ultramodern Abattoir, International Livestock Market, International Grains Market, and Inland Dry Port.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of the state government, the Gombe L-PRES Project Coordinator, Professor Usman Bello Abubakar, appreciated the Federal Ministry for its continued support and collaboration.

“With the firm commitment of His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, and the support of our development partners, Gombe is fully prepared to lead the livestock transformation drive. We already have a well-developed master plan for Wawa-Zange, which outlines all critical infrastructure, road systems, water canalization, and business models that will position the reserve not only as a centre of excellence in livestock development but also as a continental reference point for agricultural transformation,” Professor Abubakar said.

“We have a comprehensive development plan for the reserve, which covers road networks, feedlots, warehouses, dairy and beef production hubs, international livestock markets, and a mini-grid energy system. We have also conducted a feasibility study and completed the engineering design for the water canalization project, which seeks to draw water from River Gongola into the reserve to address the long-standing issue of water scarcity,” he added.

The FG delegation confirmed that actual implementation of planned projects in collaboration with Gombe State Government will commence shortly to bring to life President Tinubu’s vision for a reformed and revitalized livestock sector across Nigeria.