Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has urged key stakeholders to collaborate in addressing significant challenges in Nigeria’s livestock sector, particularly the ongoing farmer-herder conflicts. During a two-day Focus Group Discussion on Sustainable Livestock Development, he stressed the need for cooperation among sector participants to implement effective, practical solutions that will benefit both the industry and the nation overall.
“The purpose of the meeting is to gather insights from key stakeholders to develop actionable strategies that will benefit both the livestock industry and Nigeria as a whole,” stated Maiha.
He mentioned that the participants were “carefully chosen based on their practical field experiences in their respective areas.” The minister highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s establishment of the Ministry was a direct response to the pressing need for reforms in the livestock sector, particularly aimed at addressing farmer-herder conflicts.
He emphasized that Nigerians seek tangible changes, especially in decreasing these conflicts and ensuring a reliable supply of affordable livestock products, including beef, dairy, poultry, and pork.
“Nigerians are seeking change in reducing farmer-herder conflicts and ensuring an increased supply of affordable beef, dairy products, poultry, goat meat, mutton, pork, and other livestock items,” said Maiha.
“With the establishment of the Ministry and the skilled human resources available in Nigeria, we should move past the days of complaints. We need to unite and deliver meaningful results; failure is not an option,” he added.
The minister stressed that all stakeholders, including academia, donors, private sector representatives, and other government ministries, will be actively involved in the Ministry’s initiatives moving forward. “We will collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve our goals, connecting with academia, donors, other ministries, and the private sector, among others. Every participant in the upstream, midstream, and downstream of our livestock chains will be consulted during the implementation of our Ministry’s activities,” he explained.
Maiha emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to transparency and results-oriented actions, assuring participants of the government’s willingness to promptly implement accepted recommendations. “We will maintain openness, transparency, and a consultative approach focused on results; our doors are always open for sincere discussions with everyone,” he stated.
He noted that the two-day meeting will center on key themes such as Animal Health and Breeding, Livestock Entrepreneurship and Value Chains, Development of Feed and Fodder Grazing Reserves, and Cross-Cutting Issues impacting the sector.
Maiha encouraged stakeholders to participate constructively and propose actionable solutions to these pressing challenges. “Over the next two days, we seek clear, targeted recommendations that can lead to positive outcomes when implemented,” Maiha expressed.
“I assure you of our commitment to respond swiftly and effectively to all accepted recommendations, utilizing the resources at our disposal,” the minister stated.