The Zamfara state government has pledged to provide land and infrastructure for the ranching initiatives of the federal government. Recall that the Federal Government established the Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 to modernise the livestock sector, attract investment, enhance food security, and create a conducive environment for development.
Governor Dauda Lawal made this known when he invited the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha to visit Zamfara to assess the state’s facilities and explore opportunities for partnership. A statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described Zamfara as a key player in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, highlighting the state’s importance in fulfilling the Ministry’s mandate.
During the visit, Governor Lawal emphasised Zamfara’s agrarian identity, noting the state’s motto, “Farming is our Pride.” He expressed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry to harness Zamfara’s agricultural and livestock potential. According to the governor, rehabilitating several earth dams in the state could provide water for livestock and support related projects.
He reiterated the state’s readiness to align its agricultural initiatives with the federal government’s livestock development agenda.
In response, Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha revealed that Zamfara State would serve as a pilot for implementing the Ministry’s initiatives, showcasing the potential of modernised livestock practices. He, therefore, assured the governor of the Ministry’s commitment to working with Zamfara to modernise its livestock sector and address its challenges. As a measure of confirmation of the commitment of the federal government in this regard, the minister announced plans to develop Gidan Jaji in Zamfara into a mini agricultural hub.
