Maiha Commends Katsina’s Livestock Reforms

By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times

The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has praised the Katsina State Government and private investors for their efforts in advancing livestock development, saying ongoing projects in the state demonstrate that modern ranching and commercial livestock production are becoming firmly established in Nigeria.

Dr. Maiha made the remarks during an inspection tour of key livestock facilities and ranches across Katsina State on Friday.

During the visit, the minister toured a 150-hectare ranch in Charanchi Local Government Area, the Katsina State Goat Improvement Centre in Ladanawa, as well as the Obasanjo Farms Sheep and Goat Centre and Jobe Farms in Katsina.

Speaking after inspecting the Charanchi ranch, Maiha described the facility as evidence that modern ranching is both feasible and sustainable in Nigeria. He noted that approximately 50 hectares had already been prepared for pasture cultivation, while an earth dam had been constructed to support irrigation during the dry season.

He explained that although some of the ranch's cattle had been relocated due to earlier security concerns, the improving security situation would soon allow the animals to return.

The minister also commended the farm’s dairy development programme, which utilizes artificial insemination and crossbreeding techniques to improve milk production.

“What we have seen here confirms that ranching is working in Nigeria. Those who argue that it is impossible or too expensive now have practical evidence to the contrary,” he said.

Maiha said the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development would continue to collaborate with the Katsina State Government to modernize livestock production through improved animal husbandry, enhanced breeding programmes, pasture cultivation, and stronger business models.

He stressed that livestock enterprises must be market-oriented and driven by science and technology to remain sustainable.

“We do not want farms that exist merely for display. We want profitable farms that are connected to markets, science and innovation,” the minister said.

He added that the establishment of new abattoirs and meat-processing facilities across the country would create significant opportunities for livestock producers to supply quality animals on a sustainable basis.

At the Ladanawa Goat Improvement Centre, Maiha praised the state government’s initiative aimed at empowering women and youth through goat distribution programmes.

He noted that the centre currently houses about 3,000 goats and serves as an important platform for poverty reduction and livestock development.

The minister said discussions would continue between the federal and state governments to further strengthen and expand the programme.

Maiha also visited the Obasanjo Farms Sheep and Goat Centre, which occupies approximately 132 hectares of land.

He described the facility as a strategic investment capable of contributing significantly to livestock development in Northern Nigeria.

During the tour, veterinary experts accompanying the minister collected blood samples from some animals for laboratory analysis at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) as part of efforts to monitor and control diseases, including Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

Speaking during the visit, the Katsina State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmad Muhammad Bakori, said Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration had undertaken major reforms since establishing the ministry last year.

According to him, the government has rehabilitated and equipped seven veterinary clinics across the state, significantly improving access to animal healthcare services.

He also announced that the state's annual livestock immunisation campaign would be launched on Monday in Batagarawa Local Government Area.

Bakori disclosed that the state successfully contained an outbreak of PPR that affected parts of Katsina last year through swift intervention, isolation of affected areas and emergency vaccination campaigns.

“The government moved quickly to contain the outbreak and prevent its spread through widespread immunisation and strict monitoring measures,” he said.

The commissioner further highlighted a livestock empowerment programme through which selected women receive four goats each to establish sustainable livelihoods.

Under the initiative, beneficiaries repay the programme by passing on offspring from the goats to other women within their communities, ensuring the scheme continues to expand.

Bakori also revealed that the government is supporting large-scale livestock farmers who possess at least seven hectares of land for pasture development and animal production.

He said the Ladanawa centre is currently implementing an artificial insemination programme involving 3,000 goats to improve animal genetics and productivity.

The commissioner added that the state government plans to establish a modern veterinary hospital next year to further strengthen animal health services.

The minister’s visit forms part of ongoing efforts by the federal and state governments to deepen collaboration in transforming the livestock sector, creating jobs, boosting economic growth and enhancing food security across Nigeria.