A committee set up by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has submitted its report on the livestock reforms to President Bola Tinubu.
The report made recommendations on how to end conflicts between herders and farmers in the country.
The 27-member committee, chaired by former INEC president Attahiru Jega, was setting by Ganduje in January when he was still governor of Kano State.
At the committee’s inauguration in January, Mr Ganduje said the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) proposed by the federal government to address the problem had failed to deliver results due to “inadequate political leadership”.
Ganduje, presenting the committee to President Tinubu in the House of Representatives on Thursday, said its report had the capacity to end clashes between farmers and herdsmen in Nigeria.
He said the introduction of innovative ideas in livestock production is imperative to end clashes between herders and farmers in Nigeria.
The former governor of Kano State said climate change and other factors have diminished Nigeria’s ability to meet its livestock needs, noting that adoption of innovations and practices is a matter of survival.
Ganduje said he was able to maintain peace in Kano State during his eight years in office because he adopted proactive measures.
APC President Abdullahi Ganduje
“The low productivity of the sector has turned Nigeria into an import-dependent economy, depleting the scarce foreign exchange reserves used to import dairy, meat and other livestock products. Similarly, conflicts are leading to killings of citizens and loss of livelihoods, further affecting peaceful coexistence in the country.
“With population growth, ecological changes such as soil erosion and degradation of grazing areas and climate changes, the adoption of innovative crops and livestock production practices is no longer a luxury but an essential investment that is “People-centered management under your leadership must be vigorously pursued.” he said.
Mr Jega was not present at the presentation, but was represented by the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Yahaya Kuta.
Clashes between farmers and herders
Newslodge reported on several occasions about the murders and kidnappings of some farmers by suspected herdsmen. In some cases, herdsmen allegedly destroy farmlands with their livestock, but nothing was done to make them face the wrath of the law.
The killings have been most pronounced in the north-central geopolitical zone, particularly in Benue and Plateau states.
The National Economic Council (CNE) in 2019 approved the NLTP with the main objective of investing in the livestock sector to provide ranches and mitigate the growing crises between herders and farmers.
The NLTP is based on six key pillars: economic investment, conflict resolution, law and order, humanitarian aid, information education and strategic communication; and transversal issues.
Ganduje’s full statement:
Comments from the Hon. Mr. Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, OFR,
AlI Progressive Congress National Chairman at the presentation of the report on livestock reforms to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja
Protocol
It is gratifying to lead this team of Nigerian patriots and experts in various fields of human endeavor before Mr. President to present the report of the national conference on livestock reforms. The Report arose from the urgent need to reform and develop the livestock industry and to provide solutions to the long-standing conflicts between herders and farmers in Nigeria. The sector’s low productivity has turned Nigeria into an import-dependent economy, depleting the scarce foreign exchange reserves used to import dairy, meat and other livestock products. Similarly, conflicts are leading to killings of citizens and loss of livelihoods, further affecting peaceful coexistence in the country. With increasing populations, ecological changes such as soil erosion and degradation of grazing areas and changing climates, the adoption of innovative crops and livestock production practices is no longer a luxury but an essential investment that this people-centered administration under his leadership it must pursue vigorously.
READ ALSO: SPECIAL REPORT: New agreements underline peace prospects in southern Kaduna
2. There have been repeated attempts to develop the livestock industry with varying levels of failures and successes. The adoption of improved production practices that will increase productivity and help livestock owners permanently establish themselves has been poor due to many factors, such as inadequate program planning and financing, weak extension services and other cultural, economic and technological. The persistence of these problems has allowed unhealthy competition and acrimony to grow between farmers and herders, leading to violent conflicts across the country.
3. As Governor of Kano State, my administration made deliberate efforts to promote the modernization of livestock production, while strengthening local authorities to manage relations and amicably resolve conflicts between groups. For this reason, Kano State remained among the most peaceful states in the country during our eight years of rule.
It is these and other related experiences that this Committee reviewed and analyzed, while drawing on diverse experiences from around the world to formulate practical recommendations for reforming the livestock industry at the national level.
4. The committee that prepared this report consists of eminent Nigerians under the chairmanship of Professor Attahiru Jega, with members from the organized private sector, academia, practicing pastoralists and farmers, representatives of agricultural and pastoralist communities, civil society organizations and specialists in various fields of livestock development and conflict management.
They are working assiduously to organize a national conference on February 13 and 14, 2023 with around 500 participants, including traditional rulers, technocrats, bureaucrats, professionals, farmers and pastoralists’ organizations, civil society organizations, international organizations, development experts and other range of professionals and stakeholders at national and international levels contributed to the discourse on the most viable options to achieve sustainable modernization of livestock production and achieve peaceful and harmonious relations between farmers and herders.
5. Mr. President, I am convinced that the Report presented to you here today has the antidote to the problems of the livestock industry. It addresses key reforms and presents various development options necessary for the sustainable development of the sector.
Implementation of the proposals will improve productivity, improve livelihoods, promote environmental conservation, address substantial causes of conflict between farmers and herders and help reduce the high cost of imports of animal products such as milk and beef .
There are clear strategies to ensure inclusion and benefits for all Nigerians, without political, ethnic or regional bias. It is a strictly developmental document suitable to guide federal, state and local government administrations on how best to promote the industry, improve the quality of life of citizens and promote peaceful coexistence and social harmony.
6. I take advantage of this rare privilege to appeal to Mr. President to personally study the Report and order its full implementation. A key recommendation is the need to establish a Federal Authority that has the mandate to lead sustainable reforms and development of the livestock sector. The proposed Livestock Reform and Development Authority must be fully empowered and funded for the benefit of the country.
7. Mr. President, allow me at this time to invite the Chairman of the Committee, Professor Attahiru Jega, who is unavoidably absent but has tasked the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Professor Yahaya Kuta, to make this presentation.
Thank you, Mr. President.