Chidimma Uchegbu -Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has commended the Katsina State Government for its proactive initiatives in the livestock sector, including the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, a women empowerment programme through goat rearing, and the establishment of an advanced meat processing plant aimed at export promotion.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the commendation when the governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja on Monday, October 27, 2025.
Maiha assured the Federal Government’s full support for Katsina State’s initiatives, particularly in ensuring certification of processed meat to meet international standards.
“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,” the Minister emphasized.
He identified sensitization of farmers and herders as one of the key challenges facing the livestock sector, stressing the need for unity and collaboration.
“Both farmers and herders should see themselves as partners. There should be a symbiotic relationship between them,” he added.
According to the statement signed by the Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Information), Ogochukwu Igboamalu the Minister further called for the restoration of grazing reserves in the state to promote feed and fodder availability and to reduce cattle movement.
He noted that Katsina State is among the 17 states with a fully established Ministry of Livestock Development and assured Federal Government support for the establishment of cattle corridors and disease control points to ensure certification of animals being transported across states and borders.
In his remarks, Governor Dikko Umar Radda highlighted that his administration has invested approximately ₦5.6 billion in the initial phase of the goat rearing empowerment initiative, which has significantly benefited women across the state.
“Apart from the women selected from each ward, we also 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 four goats to enable us to extend the initiative to others.
We now have a success rate of about 70% since inception,” the Governor explained.
Governor Radda further stated that the creation of the Katsina State Ministry of Livestock Development was part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance food security, promote peace, and safeguard lives and property.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, commended the Katsina State Government for its strong commitment to livestock development and assured that the Ministry would continue to prioritize Katsina State in its programmes and partnerships.
