The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, led a high-profile delegation to Plateau State on a working visit aimed at deepening collaboration with the state government in transforming the livestock sector in line with the Federal Government’s livestock growth acceleration strategy.
During the visit, the Minister paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, where he delivered a heartfelt condolence message over the recent killings and reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to modernising livestock production practices in Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, it is a pleasure to be here. I came first to pay respect to the good government and people of Plateau State and to condole with you over the unfortunate incidents that occurred recently.
“I also came to express appreciation for your pioneering efforts in establishing a Ministry for Livestock Development, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries at the subnational level,” the Minister said.
Mukhtar also acknowledged the support of the National Economic Council (NEC) for the recently approved National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, which is expected to grow the sector’s value from $32 billion to $74 billion by 2035.
He briefed the Governor on key Federal Government initiatives, including the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development on June 4, 2024, and outlined plans for genetic upgrading of livestock for improved yield, and the expansion of feed and fodder systems to combat undernutrition and boost animal health.
Other cardinal pillars for the livestock sector transformation are disease control and veterinary health infrastructure, as well as rehabilitation of Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves, with the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau set to serve as a pilot model.
Mukhtar emphasised Plateau’s strategic importance, being the historic home of livestock development in Nigeria with institutions such as the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) operating for over a century.
He further announced plans to partner with the Plateau State Government to launch a Model Livestock Village, which will include pasture fields and dry-season irrigation dams, veterinary clinic, primary healthcare, educational facilities, milk collection and processing centers for dairy value chains, and residential housing for livestock keepers.
“This model will become a blueprint for collaboration between the Federal Ministry and other subnational governments. It is our vision to transform livestock production into a driver of economic growth, food security, and job creation for millions,” the Minister added.
The Governor of Plateau State, in his remarks, commended the Honourable Minister for his passion and commitment, stating, “you are not a Minister looking for food to eat, but one creating food for Nigeria. The roadmap you’ve unveiled assures us of economic growth, peace, and opportunity. Plateau is ready to partner fully in this transformation journey.”
Governor Mutfwang also applauded the contributions of technical experts accompanying the Minister and confirmed Plateau’s plans to unveil a modern Jos Abattoir with a 500-cow daily slaughtering capacity.
Following the engagement with the State Government, the Honourable Minister visited the Palace of the Gbong Gwom of Jos, Dr. Jacob Gyang Buba, where he reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement and transformative action.
The Gbong Gwom thanked Mr. President for establishing the Ministry and expressed confidence in its potential to achieve its mandate of enhancing food security and driving inclusive economic growth. He also extended an invitation to the Honourable Minister to attend the forthcoming Animal Cultural Festival.
The Minister subsequently held an interactive meeting with wide ranging stakeholder in the livestock sector, including the representives of the National Sheep and Goat Development Association of Nigeria (NASHGODAN), Poultry farmers, pig farmers, butchers, national pastoral groups and civil society organisations.
He reaffirmed that the livestock sector holds the key to unlocking employment, peace, and national prosperity, adding that the Ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders to realise this vision.
Also present at the engagements was Dr. Kingsley Uzoma from the office of the Vice President, Directors of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Heads of Agencies under the supervision of the Ministry, Special Assistants to the Honourable Minister and the President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Baba Othman Ngelzarma, who called for peace and cooperation across communities in Plateau State.
