Tinubu approves the establishment of presidential committee the livestock industry

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a presidential committee for the reform of the livestock industry to offer long-term solutions to the lingering Fulani herdsmen crisis afflicting the country.

Over recent years, the Fulani herdsmen problem has created tension across Nigeria as their cattle have been known to destroy farms and crops and when farmers complain, the herdsmen has responded violently, attacking them with AK47 assault rifles. In addition, Fulani herdsmen are renown for carrying out very violent crimes across Nigeria, including kidnapping, armed robbery, rape and banditry.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari was repeatedly advised to establish a special agency dedicated to the animal husbandry industry to monitor the activities of Fulani cattle herdsmen. However, he did nothing about the crisis, prompting criticism that he could not bring himself to act given that he was an ethnic Fulani himself who reared cattle.

Now wading into the crisis, President Tinubu has announced the establishment of the committee on the matter following the submission of a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria. This committee, which is expected to partner with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, will propose resolutions designed to foster a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers while ensuring the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians.

President Tinubu said: “The establishment of the committee is a life-changing opportunity for Nigeria, as it has the potential to transform the livestock industry and create jobs for millions of people. The federal government is fully prepared to cover the cost of acquiring the land and 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 and this is a life-changing opportunity that we have. Imagine us producing enough milk for our schoolchildren, imagine us becoming net exporters of cheese and yogurt.

"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.”

He also commended the former Kano State governor and current All Progressives Congress chairman Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, for convening the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria, which produced the report that informed the establishment of the committee. According to Dr Ganduje, the conflict between herders and farmers is a home-grown problem that has persisted for too long.

Dr Ganduje said: “Out of every tragedy, if you are careful, you will see an opportunity. We have faced this conflict for some time. 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. However, I’ve been told not to ever give up and today I believe the solution is here.”