Idi Mukhtar Maiha, minister of Livestock Development, has lauded the Katsina State Government for its forward-thinking policies in the livestock sector, pledging the federal government’s full support for the state’s ongoing reforms and investment programmes.
Mukhtar gave the commendation on Monday, when Dikko Umar Radda, governor of Katsina State, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja.
He praised the state for creating a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, launching a women-focused goat rearing empowerment scheme, and establishing a modern meat processing plant geared towards export promotion.
The minister noted that Katsina is among 18 states that have set up livestock ministries, describing the state’s initiatives as key to transforming Nigeria’s livestock economy.
“We want to fine-tune what we are doing to meet international standards optimally in Katsina State. Our focus is on livestock investment that will translate into a sustainable livestock economy,” Mukhtar said.
He further assured that the federal government would support the establishment of cattle corridors and disease control points across the state to ensure proper certification of animals transported across states and international borders.
Mukhtar also emphasised the importance of sensitising farmers and herders, stressing that both groups must work in partnership to foster peace and productivity. He called for the restoration of grazing reserves in Katsina to enhance feed and fodder availability and reduce cattle movement.
In his remarks, Radda revealed that his administration had invested about ₦5.6 billion in the first phase of the goat rearing empowerment programme, which has significantly improved women’s livelihoods across the state.
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“Apart from women selected from each ward, we identified one large-scale farmer per ward and provided them with 50 goats each. The repayment model is not monetary — after two years, beneficiaries return the same number of goats received to enable others to benefit. We now have a success rate of about 70%,” Radda explained.
He added that the establishment of the Katsina State Ministry of Livestock Development aligns with his government’s broader agenda to boost food security, promote peace, and protect lives and property.
In her closing remarks, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, permanent Secretary to the ministry, commended the Katsina State Government for its strong commitment to livestock development and pledged continued federal collaboration.
