Arewa leaders urge states to adopt livestock transformation plan

Arewa leaders under the umbrella of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have advised the 36 states to key into the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), just as they commended the initiative of the northern governors to adopt the policy, which they say would boost livestock production.

According to them, the NLTP when fully implemented would ensure the resettlement of dislocated communities in the key conflict areas, and also provide an avenue for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation among herders and farmers.

In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the ACF in Kaduna, the group said the policy would address the widespread insecurity, particularly the rampant herder/farmer clashes, and also modernise pastoral activities.

In the communiqué, which was signed by ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Muhammad Biu, the group said the decision of the Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF) would go a long way in improving livestock production, and also ensure peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers, especially in northern states.

“The ACF therefore hopes that states that key into the programme will embrace it holistically to not only benefit from the available NLTP funds, but also ensure accountability and judicious utilisation of the funds for the benefit of the herders,” it stated, adding, “ACF also appeals to the Federal Government to ensure that states willing to participate in the programme are given maximum encouragement through its policy of intervention, by way of adequate funding and provision of infrastructure that would not only boost livestock production, but also provide employment opportunities within the livestock value chain.”