Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has expressed the state’s readiness to embrace ranching and other livestock development initiatives. He disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, at the ministry’s headquarters on Thursday.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, Governor Lawal highlighted the availability of land and other resources in Zamfara, emphasizing its potential to drive the livestock sector forward.
“Zamfara is an agrarian society, and farming is our pride. We are eager to collaborate with the Ministry of Livestock Development to harness our state’s full potential,” the governor stated.
Governor Lawal also called for the rehabilitation of earth dams across the state to support livestock farming and invited the minister to visit Zamfara for an on-ground assessment.
The Ministry of Livestock Development was established in July 2024 to reform Nigeria’s livestock sector, encourage investments, and enhance food security. Governor Lawal lauded the ministry’s creation as timely, given the pressing need to modernize the sector.
Responding, Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha thanked Governor Lawal for the visit, describing it as the first of its kind by a state governor. He assured the governor of the ministry’s commitment to working closely with Zamfara to transform its livestock sector.
“The livestock sector has long operated informally. Through this collaboration, Zamfara will serve as the pilot state for our strategic initiatives. We will also transform Gidan Jaji into a mini agricultural hub,” the minister said.
This collaboration is expected to position Zamfara as a model for ranching and livestock development in Nigeria.
