ABUJA — Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has assured the Ministry of Livestock Development of his state’s readiness to support ranching initiatives, offering available land and resources to advance the livestock sector.
Governor Lawal made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, in Abuja.
“Honourable Minister, as you know, Zamfara is an agrarian society. That is why our motto is, ‘Farming is our pride,’” Lawal said. “We are here today to congratulate you on the establishment of this new ministry, which I believe is timely. Additionally, we aim to foster a strong collaboration between our state and the ministry.”
The governor highlighted the need to rehabilitate earth dams in Zamfara to support livestock and urged the minister to visit the state to assess opportunities on the ground.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, Lawal noted that Zamfara’s agricultural base aligns with the ministry’s goals of reforming Nigeria’s livestock industry, attracting investments, and bolstering food security.
Minister Maiha commended Lawal’s proactive approach, describing the visit as a first by a state governor since the ministry’s creation in July 2024.
“Your Excellency, Zamfara State will be the pilot state to showcase the agenda of the new ministry,” Maiha said. “With this collaboration, we will turn the Gidan Jaji area in Zamfara into a mini agricultural hub.”
Maiha outlined plans to modernize the livestock sector through strategic initiatives, emphasizing the need to formalize operations and address challenges.
The Ministry of Livestock Development was established to revamp Nigeria’s livestock sector, ensuring a safer environment and promoting local and foreign investments.