Ibrahim Ibrahim
The Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi said Livestock sector is accounting almost 10% of state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He stated this in his keynote address at the Opening of Stakeholder Consultative Workshop on Livestock Reforms in Collaboration with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee (PLRIC) held in Dutse, the state capital.
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Gov Namadi explained that,Livestock and Animal Husbandry is not just an economic activity in Jigawa State; but also a way of life for most families for time immemorial, from generations to generations.
He noted that, based on the immense potentials of this sector it will help to drive economic growth, contribute to food & nutrition security, and improve the livelihoods of millions of our people in Jigawa State and across Nigeria as a whole.
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According to him “ The sector is accounting for almost 10% of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022, the sector is considered to be very critical and vital to the development of our State’s economy and the attainment of our vision of Greater Jigawa”
Governor Umar Namadi promised to Work assiduously to ensure active support for livestock development through the implementation of the Jigawa Livestock Development Plan.
He explained that the development plan comprises programs such as the Jigawa Ruminant Livestock Intervention Programme, Jigawa Livestock Breed Improvement Programme, Jigawa Pasture Development Programme, Jigawa Dairy Development Programme, Protection of Grazing Reserves, and Revitalisation of Existing Livestock Improvement & Breeding Centres.
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Governor Umar Namadi noted that his administration is planning to establish Ministry for Livestock Development with a mandate to implement policies and programs aimed at an accelerated development of the Livestock Sector with a view to optimising its contribution to achieve food security and economic diversification.
Technical Advisor on Agriculture to the Governor and Co-Chair JIgawa Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee (JLRIC) , Dr. Saifullahi Umar said, the state has a lot of livestock potentials.
He said the cattle population alone in the state represents an untapped asset worth over ₦4.3trillion, if properly harnessed could generate over ₦650 billion annually in revenue for the local economy.
Earlier, the Co-Chair of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee (PLRIC), Professor Attahiru Jega Commended Jigawa State Government proactive approach in establishing a 17 member committee to drive reform.
He pointed out critical challenges of livestock sector in the country, including ,low productivity of indigenous livestock breeds, inadequate veterinary services, declining grazing reserves, and a shortage specialised extension workers.