The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has praised the Katsina State Government for its proactive steps in advancing the livestock industry. He highlighted the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, the empowerment of women through a goat rearing programme, and the establishment of a modern meat processing plant aimed at export promotion.
Mukhtar gave the commendation when the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Livestock Development in Abuja on Monday, October 27, 2025. He noted that Katsina State is one of the 18 states that have established a Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a model for others.
He assured that the Federal Government would support the state in setting up cattle corridors and disease control points to ensure proper certification of animals transported across states and international borders. “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 emphasised.
Mukhtar also identified the sensitisation of farmers and herders as one of the key challenges facing the livestock sector. He stressed the importance of unity and collaboration among stakeholders. “Both farmers and herders should see themselves as partners. There should be a symbiotic relationship between them,” he said, urging for the restoration of grazing reserves in Katsina to promote feed and fodder availability and reduce cattle movement.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda, in his remarks, explained that his administration had invested about ₦5.6 billion in the initial phase of the goat rearing empowerment programme, which has 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 the number of goats received to enable us to extend the initiative to others. We now have a success rate of about 70% since inception,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda further stated that the establishment of the Katsina State Ministry of Livestock Development aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enhance food security, promote peace, and safeguard lives and property.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, commended the Katsina State Government for its strong commitment to livestock development and assured continued federal collaboration.