Niger State Government to Collaborate with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee to Achieve Set Objectives
By Yahaya Zakka, Minna.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has stated that his administration will continue to collaborate closely with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee to achieve the objectives for which the Committee was established.
Governor Bago made this remark during a stakeholders’ consultative workshop organized by the Niger State Government in collaboration with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Committee, held at the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre in Minna.
He expressed optimism that the stakeholders’ engagement workshop would provide opportunities to maximize the potential of the livestock industry.
He emphasized that the Niger State Government is already a leader in the livestock sector, aimed at enhancing food sovereignty for the nation.
Professor Attahiru Jega, Co-Chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, commended Governor Bago, labeling him as an exemplary leader whose significant efforts in the agricultural sector are worthy of emulation.
Professor Jega outlined that the primary goal of the Committee is to develop a livestock sector that is reformed, resilient, and sustainable enough to compete globally.
He noted that the workshop would provide stakeholders with an opportunity to discuss persistent challenges facing the sector and generate useful ideas to guide the President in expanding the scope of livestock reforms.
In his address, Sammy Adigun, Chairman of Niger Foods, highlighted that the organization, established to promote agriculture in the state, has made significant strides in the livestock sector.
He revealed that Niger Foods is lobbying the government to implement an animal welfare policy that would ban the mistreatment of animals, thereby fostering a more sustainable economy.
Umar Sanda Rabe, Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, explained that the ministry was created to address various challenges faced by pastoralists.
He noted that Niger State is home to approximately 2.2 million cows and mentioned that the ministry is actively registering cattle breeders and farmers to expedite livestock development and planning.
The event featured a high level of interaction, with stakeholders sharing ideas, recommendations, and suggestions to address key areas of concern.
