• Gombe’s Agro-Livestock Industrial zone boosted with N60b federal funding

The Federal Government, in partnership with the German International Cooperation (GIZ), has entered into a partnership for the establishment of grazing facilities across Nigeria.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, made this known in Abuja, following a meeting with the GIZ representatives led by Dr Karin Jansen, First Secretary and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, who visited his office at the weekend.

The minister indicated that efforts will focus on fodder production for these livestock centres to promote sedentary livestock production systems. He also said: “Plans are also being made to construct micro earth dams and boreholes at these sites to ensure year-round grazing for animals, with an emphasis on enhancing pasture and breeding production to improve the quality of dairy products.”

On his part, Dr Jansen highlighted GIZ’s ongoing projects in Nigeria, stressing the importance of collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to boost livestock production in the nation.

She pointed out that integrating livestock development into peace-building initiatives is crucial, noting that the proposed local government grazing reserves will serve as a significant pilot project.

She further proposed the establishment of demonstration ranches in key states to provide herders with firsthand experience of modern livestock alternatives, which could lead to long-term behavioural changes. Dr Jansen assured the Minister of Germany’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with Nigeria in livestock production and its value chain.

MEANWHILE, the Gombe State Government has announced it received N60 billion from the Federal Government to establish a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone.

When fully operational, this facility is expected to process 500 bulls, 1,000 small ruminants, and 3,000 poultry birds daily. This project aims to eliminate the outdated and often unsafe practice of transporting live animals, promoting value-added processing that will benefit farmers, traders, and exporters alike.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced on Saturday during a groundbreaking ceremony in Gombe. This funding represents the first tranche of an N120 billion support package pledged by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to Yahaya, the industrial zone will feature cutting-edge facilities, including an ultramodern abattoir, an international livestock market, fattening hubs, a tannery and leather factory, a world-class grains and livestock feed market, and an inland dry port. These facilities are designed to meet global standards for food safety, processing efficiency, and export readiness.