The creation of the new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development announced yesterday by President Bola Tinubu is aimed at ending the perennial clashes between pastoralists and farmers in the country.

President Tinubu also inaugurated the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the State House, Abuja, to provide sector-focused solutions to address the age-long farmers-herders crisis to the end of putting an end to food insecurity in Nigeria.

The inflation of prices of food commodity in recent times across the country has been attributed to the farmers-herders conflict which has been a raging challenge for previous governments in the country. In the past, previous governments have reeled out a raft of measures including the highly controversial Rural Grazing Area (RUGA). However, such moves have failed to address the perennial conflicts between the farmers and pastoralists. The dispute has claimed hundreds of lives with the recent being in Plateau State where dozens were killed last December.

Tinubu’s announcement comes 10 months after he approved the establishment of the presidential committee to address herders and farmers’ clashes and bolster livestock and dairy industries. He set up the committee, chaired by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, after receiving a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria.

Upon the recommendations of the committee, the newly created ministry will address obstacles to agricultural productivity and open new opportunities which will benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.

The President who stated that the reforms will be comprehensive and collective, urging the support of all stakeholders, said “we need to provide the incentives to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming; dairy products and cold-chain logistics; collectively offer substantial commercial and economic advantages. We have seen solutions and opportunities. With these adversities that have plagued us over the years, I believe that prosperity is here – in your hands.”

He continued that, “the dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security by supplying essential proteins and vitamins, through milk and its derivatives, such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter. Efficient cold-chain logistics is crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farms to markets, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.

“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike. It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and crossbreed. We can stop the wanton killings,’’ President Tinubu stated.

With the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, President Tinubu said Nigeria can now look forward to “maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farm to market thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a stable supply”.

Following the approval, he said the Federal Government is fully prepared to cover the cost of acquiring lands to ensure the peaceful co-existence of pastoralists and farmers. While President Tinubu will chair the committee on livestock reforms, a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, is the deputy chairman.