Katsina's Livestock Vision Gets Maiha's Commendation ..... Assures Of FG Support

Idi Mukhtar Maiha 
Minister, Livestock Development Ministry 

.... As Livestock Development Minister, Idi Mukhtar Maiha identifies sensitization of farmers and herders as one of the key challenges facing the livestock sector, stressing the need for unity and collaboration.

The Government of Katsina State has been commended for its proactive initiatives in the livestock sector, including the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development that aims to empower women through goat rearing programme, and the establishment of an advanced meat processing plant with a view at export promotion.

Giving this commendation is Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, when the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Abuja on Monday, October 27, 2025.

He noted that Katsina State is among the 18 states with a fully established Ministry of Livestock Development and assured Federal Government support for the establishment of cattle corridors and disease control points to ensure certification of animals being transported across states and 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.

He identified sensitization of farmers and herders as one of the key challenges facing the livestock sector, stressing the need for unity and collaboration.

“Both farmers and herders should see themselves as partners. There should be a symbiotic relationship between them,” he added, calling for the restoration of grazing reserves in the state to promote feed and fodder availability and to reduce cattle movement. 

In his remarks, Governor Dikko Umar Radda highlighted that his administration has invested approximately ₦5.6 billion in the initial phase of the goat rearing empowerment initiative, which has significantly 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 explained.

Governor Radda further stated that the creation of the Katsina State Ministry of Livestock Development was part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance food security, promote peace, and safeguard lives and property.

In her vote of thanks, 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.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Ogochukwu Igboamalu, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Information), Press and Public Relations Department of the Livestock Development Ministry Abuja.