The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Adamawa State in unlocking its livestock potential while addressing critical challenges such as farmer-herder conflicts and transboundary diseases.
The Minister made this pledge today during a courtesy visit by officials from the Adamawa State Ministry of Livestock, led by the State Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture, Alh. Tijjani Atiku Maksha.
Maksha conveyed the State Governor’s congratulations to the Minister on his appointment as the pioneer Minister for the Ministry of Livestock Development, commending Mr. President for the wisdom in his choice.
In his response, the Minister commended Adamawa’s proactive measures in livestock development and conflict resolution, emphasising the Federal Government’s readiness to partner with the state.
He highlighted the importance of harnessing Adamawa’s rich agricultural resources, strengthening grazing reserves, and enhancing breed improvement centers to boost productivity and economic returns.
The Minister also lauded the establishment of a Standing Committee on Farmer-Herder Conflicts, describing it as a commendable approach to fostering social harmony among communities.
He assured the delegation that the Federal Government would provide technical and operational support to bolster mediation mechanisms, improve disease control efforts, and develop sustainable solutions for the state’s livestock and fisheries sectors.
During the courtesy visit, the Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa State Ministry of Livestock, Dr. Mohammed Suleiman, briefed on the state’s ongoing initiatives and areas requiring collaboration.
He highlighted the state’s achievements and challenges in livestock management, revealing that the state generates over ₦120 billion annually from the sale of more than 240,000 cattle. He revealed plans to process beef and standardise beef products to create more economic value.
Key areas of focus include the immediate full utilization of the 32 Gazetted Grazing Reserves out of the 69 grazing reserves designate. Operationalising breed improvement centers in collaboration with academic institutions, and enhancing abattoir facilities being built at Yola, Mubi and Numan.
Suleiman also explained ongoing efforts to establish a fish poultry hatcheries to address the dependence on imported fingerlings and Day Old Chicks leveraging the state’s vast river networks.
He further solicited federal assistance in training, disease control, and operational support to sustain these initiatives.
