Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to modernizing livestock production and promoting agribusiness in the state. He described the creation of the new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a bold and strategic initiative, calling it a visionary move that will transform and redefine Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock economy.
Governor Radda made this known during his courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The visit was to congratulate the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and the entire management team for the establishment of the new standalone ministry, as well as to explore strategic areas of partnership and collaboration between the Federal Government and Katsina State.
According to the Governor, Katsina occupies a unique position as a livestock powerhouse in Northern Nigeria, with over 90 percent of its population actively engaged in agriculture and livestock-related businesses. “Our people depend on livestock as a means of livelihood and trade. Katsina has a long tradition of animal husbandry, and we are ready to build on that legacy through innovation and strategic collaboration,” he said.
Governor Radda highlighted several livestock development programmes already in progress in Katsina State, including the successful implementation of the Goat Rearing Empowerment Scheme and the establishment of a modern goat rearing farm housing over 3,000 goats, now recognized as the largest of its kind in the country.
He explained that the state recently established a standalone Ministry of Livestock Development to coordinate policy direction and drive sustainable livestock growth across all sectors. “We appointed an experienced professional to lead this ministry because we understand how vital livestock is to our economy,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda further disclosed his administration’s plans to establish halal meat processing plants through Public-Private Partnership models. He stated that Katsina is positioning itself to export halal meat to the Middle Eastern market, which presents a major economic opportunity for the state. “We want Katsina to become the northern hub for halal meat production and export. This will create jobs, strengthen our agribusiness value chain, and contribute to national GDP growth,” he added.
The Governor called for Katsina to be included under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope livestock programmes and requested technical and institutional support for ongoing state initiatives. He assured the Ministry of Katsina’s readiness to work closely with the Federal Government on ranching, animal feed production, and livestock infrastructure projects.
Governor Radda reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the Ministry to advance livestock productivity, enhance exports, and improve food security across Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended Governor Radda for the visit and praised the Katsina State Government for its foresight in establishing a standalone Ministry of Livestock Development. He described the initiative as a pleasant surprise and a gift to the national livestock sector.
The Minister lauded Katsina’s efforts in developing livestock programmes, particularly the establishment of the large goat rearing farm, which he said is the biggest in Nigeria. “Your Excellency, what you have done in Katsina is exemplary. That farm with over 3,000 goats is the largest in the country and shows your genuine commitment to the livestock industry,” he said.
Alhaji Maiha assured the Governor that the Federal Ministry is fully committed to working closely with Katsina on livestock development, halal meat export, and ranch modernization. He revealed that plans are underway to convert about 123,000 hectares of grazing reserves in Katsina into modern ranches and other livestock support facilities. “We will collaborate with your new ministry to develop the best structures for efficient and sustainable livestock management,” the Minister said.
He also announced plans to visit Katsina State in the coming weeks to assess key areas of collaboration and finalize joint initiatives aimed at boosting livestock productivity.
Alhaji Maiha further shared his vision for improving livestock production nationwide through enhanced nutrition programmes. He suggested a national policy that encourages every school-going child to eat an egg, drink milk, and eat a sausage daily, saying it would improve child nutrition and increase demand for livestock products.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary and members of the Ministry’s technical team highlighted Katsina’s comparative advantage in livestock production due to its favorable climate, crop diversity, and large market base. They emphasized that the state’s consistent investment in agriculture and animal husbandry positions it as a model for integrated livestock systems in Nigeria.
Also speaking, Hon. Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia, former Special Adviser on Livestock Development and current Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, explained the technical efforts of the Katsina State Government, including the establishment of pasture farms and the revival of over 100,000 gazetted grazing reserves across the state.
He noted that the state’s focus on sustainable livestock development aligns with the Federal Government’s broader goals of modernizing the sector, boosting agribusiness, and increasing export revenue through halal meat and dairy production.
The Governor’s delegation included his Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Affairs and Development Partners, Hajiya Hadiza Maikudi; Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Bakori; Hon. Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia; and Chairman of Continental Computers Group, Alhaji Salisu Mamman Kadandani.