The Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria, has launched a new livestock development initiative aimed at creating jobs, expanding rural livelihoods, and strengthening Nigeria’s livestock value chain with the foundation laying of a Livestock Development Service Centre in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Honourable Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the project as a strategic intervention designed to strengthen veterinary services, improve animal husbandry practices, enhance productivity, and expand the livestock value chain across the North-West and beyond.
According to him, the centre will serve as a hub for veterinary care, livestock training, breed improvement services, and youth empowerment, providing vital support to pastoralists and farmers in the region. He said the initiative was also part of broader efforts to boost rural employment and tackle poverty by unlocking opportunities in livestock production and marketing.
Honourable Mukhtar Maiha explained that the project aligns with the government’s long-term plan to reposition the livestock subsector and integrate it with the national agricultural development strategy. He noted that similar centres will be replicated across the country to strengthen commercial livestock systems, combat animal diseases, and promote sustainable agricultural growth.
He also acknowledged the role of international partners in supporting the initiative. “We are grateful for the World Bank’s support to the Livestock Development Programme,” he said. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with the World Bank and other development partners to promote the development of the livestock sector in Nigeria.”
Dr. Muhammad Sanusi, National Coordinator of the Livestock Development Programme, praised the Minister’s leadership and said the new centre represents a major step toward transforming livestock management in Nigeria. “The Livestock Development Service Centre is a critical component of our national livestock development strategy,” he said. “It will provide a platform for livestock farmers and pastoralists to access modern technology, training, and markets, which will improve their productivity and income. We are confident that this project will have a positive impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians who depend on livestock for their livelihoods.”
Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu, welcomed the federal intervention and said the Livestock Development Service Centre will complement state agricultural reforms and boost food security, job creation, and youth participation in agribusiness. “The project will not only create employment opportunities for our people but also support our pastoralists and boost our state’s economy,” he said.
The Governor emphasized that the state government remains committed to addressing security challenges affecting livestock production. “We are working tirelessly to ensure the security of our farmers and pastoralists, and we have made significant progress in recent times,” he added.
Governor Aliyu thanked the Federal Government for selecting Sokoto State for the project, describing it as a game-changer for the local economy. “It will provide our livestock farmers and pastoralists with access to modern veterinary services, breeding stock, and training, which will improve their productivity and income,” he said. “We are committed to working with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to ensure the success of this project and to promote the development of the livestock sector in Sokoto State.”
Local livestock herders and community representatives welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the new centre will create jobs, improve access to essential services, strengthen livestock health, and open new economic opportunities for smallholder farmers and rural households across Sokoto communities.
