Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has commended the Katsina State Government for its visionary policies in the livestock sector, and pledged the full support of the Federal Government to the state's ongoing reforms and investment programmes.
Mukhtar gave the praise on Monday when Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the ministry in Abuja.
He praised the state for creating a dedicated livestock development ministry, launching a women-centric goat rearing empowerment scheme and setting up a modern meat processing plant to boost exports.
The minister said Katsina is one of the 18 states that have established livestock ministries, describing the state initiative as crucial to transforming Nigeria's livestock economy.
“We want to improve what we are doing in Katsina State to better meet international standards,” Mukhtar said. “Our focus is on livestock investment that will translate into a sustainable livestock economy.”
He further assured that the Federal Government will support the establishment of cattle corridors and disease control points across the state to ensure proper certification of animals transported across state and international borders.
Mukhtar also stressed the importance of sensitizing farmers and herders and stressed that both groups should work in partnership to promote peace and productivity. He called for the restoration of pasture reserves in Katsina to increase the availability of fodder and fodder and reduce cattle movement.
In his remarks, Radda disclosed that his administration had invested about ₦5.6 billion in the first phase of the Goat Farming Empowerment Programme, which has significantly improved the livelihoods of women across the state.
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“Apart from the women selected from each ward, we identified one large-scale farmer per ward and provided them with 50 goats each. The repayment model is not monetary – after two years, the beneficiaries return the same number of goats received to benefit others. Now our success rate is around 70%,” Radda said.
He said the establishment of the Katsina State Ministry of Livestock Development is in line with his government's broader agenda of promoting food security, fostering peace and protecting life and property.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, commended the Katsina State Government for its strong commitment to livestock development and promised continued federal support.
