The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has said the Federal Government is interested in the Benue Livestock Development Project.
Maiha, who disclosed this on Friday in Makurdi during the Benue Livestock Summit 2025, said that the state has vast opportunities in the livestock sector.
The minister stated that the trajectory for sustainable economic development of the state was in place and urged the state government to leverage it by reawakening the livestock sector.
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He pointed out that the establishment of the livestock ministry was a clarion call to national transformation, adding that several countries have indicated interest in partnering with Nigeria in the sector.
“We intend to reactivate the grazing reserves and turn them into ranches with all amenities provided. We have asked all sub-nationals to provide land for ranches.
“I told the governor to give 1000 hectares of land, which the Qatari government is ready to pay for.
“Brazil’s government is also interested in the choice of land, and Benue will benefit from this. In all these, we need peace and dialogue to achieve a lot,” he said.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director General, Benue Bureau for Livestock Development, Transborder and Animal Control, Dr Aondoakaa Asambe, said there was every need to reposition and transform the livestock sector.
Asambe said the sector was facing problems like finance, inefficiency in production, farmer-herder clashes and climate change.
“For us in Benue, the ‘Food Basket of the Nation, “this summit holds special significance as the first-ever livestock summit in the history of our dear state.
“It underscores our unwavering commitment to harnessing the vast potential of the livestock sector and transforming it into a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and food security.
“The theme of this summit, “Reimagining the Future of Livestock Production in Nigeria for Economic Growth and Self-Sufficiency” reflects the urgency and importance of rethinking our strategies, policies, and approaches in the face of emerging global challenges,”he said.
The DG said that he has already undertaken facility tours of livestock establishments across the state, adding that many were either moribund or in a state of neglect.
He commended the governor for finding him worthy among millions in the state for the appointment and promised to deliver on his given mandate.
Asambe also commended the Minister of Livestock Development for his support so far.
(NAN)
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