President Bola Tinubu has formed a presidential committee to reform the livestock industry and find solutions to the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders.
Tinubu established the committee on Thursday in Abuja.
This came after receiving a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Conflict Mitigation in Nigeria.
The committee made 21 recommendations to the president, including the establishment of a ministry of livestock resources.
Tinubu stated that the committee would collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to find long-term solutions to the age-old conflict between farmers and herders.
Ajuri Ngelale, Presidential Spokesperson said:
“The federal government is fully prepared to cover the cost of acquiring the land.”
“These opportunities will provide gainful employment for our veterinary doctors. It will open 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. Imagine us producing enough milk for our school children or becoming net exporters of cheese and yogurt.
“Also 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.”
The president said in every tragedy, there is always an opportunity “if you are careful”.
