President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a long-term solution that would terminate the incessant herders-farmers clashes experienced across the country.
This would be accomplished through the establishment of a Presidential Committee for reform of the livestock industry.
Tinubu stated this on Thursday in Abuja after receiving a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria.
The conference was convened by the former Governor of Kano State, who is also the Chairman of All Progressives’ Congress (APC) Dr Umar Ganduje.
President Tinubu hinted that the Federal Government is fully prepared to cover the cost of acquiring a land.
The committee is expected to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to propose recommendations aimed at fostering peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers, and for the security and economic well-being of all Nigerians.
Tinubu was optimistic that the committee would open up opportunities for veterinary doctors as well as the private sector with the creation of new educational opportunities for herders’ and their children.
“Medical facilities will be established. This is a life-changing opportunity that we have.
“Imagine us producing enough milk for our school children. Imagine us becoming net exporters of cheese and yoghurt.
“Imagine us producing the skin massively with a major Nigerian leather industry.
“Imagine us providing cold storage facilities and employment across the nation. These things are possibilities in front of us,” the President added.
The President praised Ganduje for assembling the best experts to find a lasting solution to the perennial issues between pastoralists and farmers.
He lauded the committe for their foresight and diligence in examining the complex issues bordering on livestock management, land use and security.
“Out of every tragedy, if you are careful, you will see an opportunity. We have faced this conflict for some time.
“We know it is a home-grown problem. It is very hard for people to stay away from their traditional and old ways.
“I tried in 2018 to bring about a solution to this problem, but it proved elusive. But I’ve been told not to ever give up and today I believe the solution is here,” he said.
The President blamed the prolonged herders-farmers clashes on failed leadership, saying that leadership is about thinking and doing.
Ganduje recalled that during his tenure as the governor of Kano state, he hosted a national conference as part of his efforts to promote the modernisation of livestock production.
He explained that it was established to also strengthen the capacity of local authorities to manage relationships and resolve conflicts between herders and farmers amicably.
The national chairman was convinced that the report contained the antidote to the problems of livestock industry, which he believed would address key reforms and presents various development options required for the sustainable development of the sector.
He said that the implementation of the proposals would enhance productivity, improve livelihoods, promote environmental conservation, and address substantial causes of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists.
Ganduje informed that it would also helping in trimming the cost of importation of animal products such as milk and beef.
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