Nigerian Farmers Applaud Establishment of Livestock Development Ministry

The creation of the Livestock Development Ministry by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has elicited positive reactions from various agricultural stakeholders across Nigeria, including the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN). Femi Oke, the South West Chairman of AFAN, expressed his delight in an interview with Channels Television on Wednesday, emphasizing that the ministry’s establishment fulfills longstanding recommendations from agriculture stakeholders to decentralize the Ministry of Agriculture.

According to Oke, the Livestock Ministry is expected to streamline operations and alleviate longstanding challenges such as the farmer-herders conflicts and banditry that have plagued the nation. He highlighted that the creation of this ministry is a welcome development among farmers, bringing optimism for resolving agricultural disputes and enhancing security in rural areas.

Similarly, Ayuba Rano, the National Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers, echoed these sentiments in a Channel TV interview, emphasizing the ministry’s potential to address food insecurity, particularly by focusing on livestock development—a critical component of national food security.

The move has also garnered support from Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), a prominent Fulani socio-cultural group, which has long advocated for such a ministry to tackle livestock-related challenges effectively.

However, amidst the positive reception, there has been some opposition within Nigeria. Critics argue that the establishment of another ministry under the Tinubu administration, increasing the count to 50 ministries, may escalate the cost of governance.

Nevertheless, proponents view the creation of the Livestock Development Ministry as a crucial step towards enhancing agricultural productivity, resolving conflicts, and bolstering food security nationwide.