Zamfara to pioneer ranching project under FG’s livestock agenda

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal (LEFT) and Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during the Governor’s visit to the Minister’s Abuja office.

Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government on the launch of a ranching project aimed at modernising the livestock sector. During a courtesy visit to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, in Abuja, the governor highlighted Zamfara’s potential as an agrarian state and its pivotal role in achieving the ministry’s objectives.

Governor Lawal described the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 as a timely intervention to reform Nigeria’s livestock industry. “Zamfara is an agrarian society, and that is why our motto is, ‘Farming is our Pride.’ We aim to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry to explore our state’s agricultural potential fully,” Lawal stated.

He further noted that several earth dams in the state require rehabilitation to support livestock, while highlighting the opportunities for integrating ranching and other livestock-focused initiatives into Zamfara’s agricultural landscape. The governor extended an invitation to the minister and his team to visit Zamfara for an on-the-ground assessment.

In response, Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha welcomed the partnership and commended Governor Lawal’s proactive approach. “Since the Ministry was established, we have not received a visit from an Executive Governor seeking to collaborate. Your initiative demonstrates your commitment to transforming Zamfara’s livestock sector,” Maiha remarked.

The minister assured the governor of the ministry’s readiness to modernise livestock operations in Zamfara, transitioning the sector from its traditionally informal setup to a structured and sustainable model. “Zamfara State will be the pilot state to showcase the agenda of the new Ministry. With this collaboration, we will transform Gidan Jaji into a mini agricultural hub,” Maiha added.

The partnership marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to address challenges in the livestock sector, including food security, investment opportunities, and the creation of a safe and productive environment for livestock activities.

With its agrarian foundation, Zamfara is well-positioned to serve as a model for the Federal Government’s livestock modernisation programme. The collaboration underscores the potential of state-federal partnerships in driving agricultural innovation and economic growth.