President Tinubu Hosts Livestock Stakeholders at Villa, Unveils Plans for Sector Reforms

 

The Presidential Villa in Abuja was abuzz on Thursday as key stakeholders in Nigeria's livestock value chain gathered to discuss strategies for harnessing the sector’s potential. President Bola Tinubu, who recently established the Ministry of Livestock out of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, hosted the forum as part of his efforts to drive reforms in the often overlooked industry.

During the Stakeholders Consultative Workshop, President Tinubu outlined his vision to revitalize the livestock sector, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s $1.5 billion annual import bill, boost economic growth, and create jobs. Speaking as the chairman of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, Tinubu expressed his frustration over Nigeria’s inability to meet basic nutritional needs, such as providing schoolchildren with milk.

"This is a very important sector, and we are going to give it all it needs to bring value to our country," the president said. He emphasized the need for Nigeria, with its population of over 200 million, to better serve its children, stating, "It's about time we do it right. A country of over 200 million people cannot serve our children one pint of milk in the classroom per day."

President Tinubu voiced confidence in the collaborative efforts of the stakeholders, assuring them that the investment in the sector would yield significant benefits. He highlighted the untapped potential of the livestock industry, noting, "We can contribute so much to Nigeria's GDP and provide decent jobs."

Acknowledging past failures in exploring investment opportunities in the sector, Tinubu said, "When I inaugurated the livestock committee, I didn’t see the path clearly until they started working. We will create the environment where the business will thrive." He reiterated his commitment to ensuring future generations benefit from the reforms, declaring, "We must get it right for our children and future generations. I stand before you fully committed."

Tinubu also shared his vision of transitioning Nigeria’s livestock industry from a subsistence model to a thriving commercial sector, saying, "Yes, we can do it; we can bring prosperity to our people. From grass, we can achieve grace."

The president congratulated the newly formed Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, praising their work in creating actionable strategies to transform the industry. "There’s no excuse for neglecting this vital sector any longer," he added.

Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, lauded President Tinubu’s initiatives, expressing optimism that the reforms would improve food security and reduce conflicts between herders and farmers. "I want to thank Mr. President for deepening the effort to achieve food security through livestock reforms," AbdulRazaq said. He assured the president of the full support of subnational governments, pledging, "I want to assure you 100% buy-in from subnationals to make this a success."

The stakeholders’ meeting marks a significant step towards transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector, with reforms expected to positively impact the nation’s economy and food security.