Our Report Will Reposition Livestock Sector – Jega Committee

Following the aftermath of the LEADERSHIP report, the secretary of the Jega-led Livestock Reforms Committee, Professor Mohammed Yahaya Kuta, has disclosed that the committee is nearing the completion of its inception report, which will soon be presented to President Bola Tinubu.

LEADERSHIP had reported growing concerns in the north over the delay in the take-off of the Ministry of Livestock Development announced by President Bola Tinubu in July.

The committee’s inception report will detail the modalities for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development, including its organisational structure, departmental functions, staffing requirements and overall mandate.

This comprehensive report, which addresses issues such as meat production, dairy importation, and the broader agricultural economy, is expected to lay the foundation for significant advancements in the sector.

In an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP yesterday, Professor Kuta said that the 25-member committee has extensively addressed the 16 terms of reference provided by the President, all of which aim to operationalise the vision for the livestock sector.

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He stated that the committee has reviewed and utilised a robust blueprint, including a previously submitted conference report, to guide its work.

According to him, the blueprint outlines a comprehensive strategy for developing Nigeria’s livestock industry, drawing lessons from neighbouring countries where livestock significantly contributes to the agricultural GDP.

Professor Kuta also hinted at the potential policy pronouncements that may follow the report’s submission, which could significantly impact the livestock industry in Nigeria.

He emphasised that the committee’s work has been exhaustive, involving extensive meetings, stakeholder engagements, and the incorporation of diverse perspectives from experts across various fields.

He added that Nigeria, despite having the largest concentration of livestock in West Africa, needs more development due to the absence of a dedicated ministry.

Professor Kuta stressed the economic potential of the livestock sector, citing Burkina Faso, where livestock contributes 55% to the agricultural GDP. In contrast, Nigeria’s sector remains underdeveloped, leading to a reliance on imports for dairy products and other livestock-related goods.

Professor Kuta assured that the committee’s efforts would soon bear fruit, with the inception report serving as a precursor to the innovative developments that will shape the future of Nigeria’s livestock industry.

He said, “The committee has done a perfect job, and very soon, I’m sure with the arrival of Mr President from China, an inter-inception report will be submitted to him.

After that, you will hear the outbreak of innovations and wonders happening to that ministry. ”

“There is enough time to enjoy the bumper harvest that will come out of it. The committee is doing well, and you can see this exciting environment operating because it also requires a permanent structure to midwife the ministry.

And already, some government stakeholders and Mr. President’s appointees have done very well in supporting the committee to actualise its mandate.”

“And it will be revealed in due course, the role played by some key people to the actualisation of this mandate. It’s fascinating that we are achieving significant milestones.”