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By Daniel Adaji
The Federal Government has thrown its weight behind Katsina State’s N5.6 billion livestock and women empowerment initiative, describing it as a model for sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the assurance when Governor Dikko Umar Radda led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
Maiha commended the Katsina State Government for its proactive steps in establishing a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, introducing a goat rearing empowerment programme for women, and constructing a modern meat processing plant aimed at boosting export opportunities.
“We want to fine-tune what we are doing to meet international standards optimally in Katsina State. Our focus is on livestock investment that will translate into a sustainable livestock economy,” the Minister said.
He assured that the Federal Government would support Katsina in achieving international certification for processed meat and in creating enabling infrastructure such as cattle corridors and disease control points to facilitate the safe movement of animals across states and borders.
Maiha identified inadequate sensitization of farmers and herders as a major challenge in the sector, calling for cooperation to ensure peaceful coexistence.
“Both farmers and herders should see themselves as partners. There should be a symbiotic relationship between them,” he stated.
The minister urged the restoration of grazing reserves across the state to improve feed and fodder availability and reduce the frequency of cattle migration. He also noted that Katsina is among 17 states with a fully established Ministry of Livestock Development — a step he described as commendable and worthy of replication nationwide.
Governor Radda, in his remarks, disclosed that the state had so far invested about N5.6 billion in the first phase of its goat rearing programme, designed to empower women and promote inclusive agricultural growth.
“Apart from the women selected from each ward, we also identified one large-scale farmer per ward and provided them with 50 goats each. The repayment model is not monetary—after two years, beneficiaries return four goats to enable us to extend the initiative to others. We now have a success rate of about 70 per cent since inception,” the Governor stated.
He noted that the establishment of the state’s Ministry of Livestock Development was part of his administration’s wider plan to enhance food security, promote peace between farmers and herders, and safeguard lives and property.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, praised the Katsina State Government for its commitment to livestock development and assured that the Federal Ministry would continue to prioritise the state in its programmes and partnerships.