Yobe State produces nearly 10 million heads of livestock annually, making it the largest livestock-producing state in sub-Saharan Africa, according to Governor Mai Mala Buni.
Buni stated this while flagging off livestock vaccines and commissioning facilities at the Livestock Service Centre, Nasari Grazing Reserve, in Jakusko Local Government Area of the state, on Saturday.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Ali Mustapha Goniri, the governor said the state government had invested billions of naira in critical infrastructure and inputs for livestock farmers since the establishment of the reserve in 2019 in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
He said the development of the livestock service centre was aimed at reducing frequent conflicts between farmers and herders, promoting peaceful coexistence and improving livestock productivity across the state.
‘We remain fully committed to making livestock productivity one of the cardinal objectives of this administration. We will continue to do our best to develop this sub-sector, with the positive impact of improving the livelihoods of our people and promoting food security,’ Buni said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended Yobe for setting what he described as a national standard in livestock development.
He noted that Yobe was among the first states to establish a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development following the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
‘Yobe State was among the first to establish a Ministry of Livestock Development following the President’s creation of the federal counterpart, and it is clear why. The infrastructure, vegetative resources, and expertise here are second to none,’ he said.
The minister also described the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) programme as one of the most active and impactful agricultural initiatives in the country.
Maiha further announced plans to establish a large-scale modern abattoir in Damaturu following discussions with members of the Yobe State Executive Council.
He said the facility would support in-state processing, cold-chain preservation, labelling and certification of meat products, thereby enabling the state to shift from the export of live animals to the supply of processed and packaged meat to consumers across the country.
‘This is about adding value, creating jobs, and ensuring food security. Yobe has the volume and the vision. With this abattoir, we are not just herding cattle; we are building an industry,’ the minister said.
The National Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr Sunusi Abubakar, said Nigeria currently had seven livestock service centres located in Jakusko-Nasari in Yobe, Wudil in Kano, Dass in Bauchi, Saki in Oyo, Gwagwada in Niger and Mambilla in Taraba states.
He commended Hajiya Mairo Ahmed Amshi for her support towards the establishment of the Yobe centre.
‘When the opportunity came for the livestock service centre, I could not think of a better place than Yobe State. I know the composition of this area, what we have here, and the immense opportunities that exist,’ Abubakar said.
Earlier, the State Project Coordinator, L-PRES, Hajiya Adama Hussaini Madaki, commended the minister for undertaking a two-day working visit to the state, describing the visit as an opportunity to create more prospects for livestock development in Yobe.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the Buni administration to creating an enabling environment for increased livestock productivity and resilient support across the state’s 17 local government areas.
Madaki also appreciated stakeholders in the state for their cooperation and support towards the implementation of L-PRES development projects.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Idris Yusuf Madaki, in his welcome address, commended the Buni administration for its continued support to the ministry and the livestock sub-sector.
The visit underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with states to unlock the potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector and strengthen food security, job creation and economic diversification.