Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development
The Federal Government it is banking on the development of grazing reserves across the country to reduce Nigeria’s annual $1.5bn milk import bill, improve livestock productivity and grow the sector’s contribution to the economy to $74bn by 2030.
The government said the initiative would encourage pastoralists to settle in designated grazing reserves, improve animal health, increase meat and milk production, enhance disease surveillance and reduce clashes between farmers and herders.
Speaking on the progress of the projects, the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, said work was ongoing at grazing reserves in the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau and Gombe states despite slow budget releases.
“It is infrastructure; it is not a one-day, two-day, one-month venture. Work is ongoing at different levels at Kawu in Bwari Area Council, Wase and Wawa-Zange grazing reserves in Gombe, Plateau and the FCT. We are working with the states involved and other partners to provide necessary infrastructure. Work is ongoing, and as soon as we reach a good level, then we’ll go on another facility or inspection,’’ she said.
