Governor Visits New Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in Abuja
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising livestock production and promoting agribusiness across the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Governor described the creation of the new ministry as a visionary step that would transform Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock economy.
Radda said his visit was to congratulate the minister, the permanent secretary, and the management team, as well as to explore areas of collaboration between the state and the federal government.
He noted that Katsina State occupies a unique position as a livestock powerhouse in northern Nigeria, with over 90 per cent 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.
The governor highlighted several livestock development programmes ongoing in the state, including the Goat Rearing Empowerment Scheme and the establishment of a modern goat farm housing over 3,000 goats — the largest of its kind in Nigeria.
He also disclosed that the state recently created a standalone Ministry of Livestock Development to drive policy direction and sustainable growth in the sector.
Radda further revealed plans to establish halal meat processing plants through public-private partnerships, positioning Katsina as a hub for halal meat exports to the Middle East.
“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.
He called on the Federal Government to include Katsina under the Renewed Hope livestock programmes and provide technical and institutional support for the state’s ongoing initiatives.
Responding, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended Governor Radda for his foresight and described Katsina’s creation of a separate livestock ministry as a “pleasant surprise and a gift to the national livestock sector.”
Maiha praised the state’s achievements, especially the establishment of the large goat farm, which he described as 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,” the minister said.
He assured the Governor of the Ministry’s readiness to partner with Katsina on livestock development, halal meat export, and ranch modernisation.
Maiha also revealed plans to convert about 123,000 hectares of grazing reserves in Katsina into modern ranches and livestock support facilities, adding that he would soon pay a working visit to the state to identify areas of collaboration.
He further shared his vision of introducing a national nutrition policy where every school-going child consumes an egg, milk, and sausage daily — a move he said would boost both public health and livestock demand.
Also speaking, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and technical team highlighted Katsina’s comparative advantage in livestock production due to its favourable climate, crop diversity, and strong market base.
Members of 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; Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia; and Chairman of Continental Computers Group, Alhaji Salisu Mamman Kadandani.
