Nigeria’s President Tinubu has given the green light for the establishment of a Presidential Committee tasked with providing recommendations for fostering peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers, all while ensuring the security and economic prosperity of all Nigerians.
President Tinubu emphasised that the committee also bears the responsibility of overhauling the livestock industry and devising long-term solutions to the recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the country.
This decision was announced by the President in an official statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. It followed the submission of a comprehensive report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria, which was convened under the leadership of Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, the former Governor of Kano State and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
President Tinubu disclosed that the Committee would collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to ensure the success of these initiatives.
“The Federal Government is fully prepared to cover the cost of acquiring the land. These opportunities will provide gainful employment for our veterinary doctors while opening doors for the private sector as the provision of new educational opportunities for herders’ and their children emerge. Medical facilities will be established. This is a life-changing opportunity that we have,” the President expressed.
He further added, “Imagine us producing enough milk for our schoolchildren. Imagine us becoming net exporters of cheese and yoghurt. Imagine us producing the skin massively with a major Nigerian leather industry. Imagine us providing cold storage facilities and employment across the nation. These things are possible in front of us.”
President Tinubu commended Former Governor Ganduje for assembling a team of exceptional minds and experts dedicated to finding solutions to the persistent challenges between herders and farmers. He also praised the committee members for their diligence in examining the intricate issues related to livestock management, land use, and security.
“Out of every tragedy, if you are careful, you will see an opportunity. We have faced this conflict for some time. We know it is a homegrown problem. It is very hard for people to stay away from their traditional, old ways.
“I tried in 2018 to bring about a solution to this problem, but it proved elusive. But I’ve been told not to ever give up, and today I believe the solution is here,” the President stated, referring to the committee report, which contains several recommendations.
“It is not the fault of herders and farmers that this crisis has persisted. It is the fault of the leadership, who failed to find immediate solutions to solve their problems. Leadership is about thinking and doing,”
In his address, Former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) recalled that during his tenure as Governor, he hosted the National Conference as part of a deliberate effort to modernize livestock production and empower local authorities to manage relationships and resolve conflicts amicably between herders and farmers. Throughout his eight-year tenure, Kano remained one of the most peaceful states in the country.
“Mr. President, I am convinced that the report submitted here today has the antidote to the problems of the livestock industry. It addresses the key reforms and presents various development options required for the sustainable development of the sector. “The implementation of the proposals will enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, promote environmental conservation, address substantial causes of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists, and help in reducing the cost of importation for animal products like milk and beef,” the Former Governor noted.