Jigawa, Federal Government Partner to Advance Livestock Development
Governor Mallam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector through strategic partnerships with the Federal Government. In pursuit of this vision, the Governor visited the headquarters of the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Abuja, where he was warmly received by the Honorable Minister, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and other key officials.
The visit provided a platform for meaningful discussions on critical areas of livestock development, including investment in livestock farming, the demarcation of cattle routes to mitigate farmer-herder conflicts, and sustainable development strategies for grazing reserves.
Governor Namadi emphasized that livestock farming plays a crucial role in food security, employment creation, and economic diversification. He highlighted Jigawa State’s proactive efforts, including the establishment of a Farmers and Herdsmen Board to foster peaceful coexistence, the development of 54 gazetted grazing reserves, and the expansion of the Maigatari International Cattle Market, one of Africa’s largest livestock markets.
The Governor also shared insights into Jigawa’s successful goat-breeding program, an initiative launched in 2016 to empower widows and improve local livelihoods. The program has gained national recognition and attracted World Bank support.
In response, the Minister commended Governor Namadi for his proactive leadership, describing Jigawa’s livestock development model as a benchmark for other states. He particularly praised the state’s peace-building mechanism, which has significantly reduced conflicts between farmers and herders.
As part of the collaboration, both parties agreed to establish a joint task force to identify priority areas and develop actionable policies for immediate implementation.
