Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Arewa Youths React to Tinubu’s Livestock Ministry Initiative

The recent establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Tinubu has sparked varied reactions from stakeholders across Nigeria.

Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Afenifere, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo have expressed optimism about the new ministry’s potential to resolve the longstanding farmers-herders crisis. They view it as a necessary step towards ending conflicts and enhancing the livestock and dairy sectors. Yerima Shettima of AYCF emphasized that the ministry would provide a dedicated platform to address the issues plaguing farmers and herders, which previous efforts under the Ministry of Agriculture had failed to resolve.

Constitutional lawyer Madubuachi Idam criticized the move, labeling it a duplication of ministries that would lead to unnecessary expenditure. Idam argued that existing agencies within the Ministry of Agriculture, such as the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, could effectively handle livestock-related matters without the need for a separate ministry.

President Tinubu established the ministry following recommendations from a committee chaired by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje. The committee was tasked with addressing farmers-herders clashes and promoting livestock industry reforms. These clashes have been a persistent issue in states like Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and others, resulting in significant loss of lives and property.

President Tinubu defended the ministry’s creation, asserting that it would bring sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s agricultural challenges. He highlighted the ministry’s role in ensuring food security, reducing waste, and stabilizing food supply chains.

Madubuachi Idam maintained that the real issue lies not in ministry creation but in the government’s commitment and approach to resolving the farmers-herders crisis. He suggested engaging traditional rulers and religious leaders in conflict resolution efforts rather than establishing a new ministry.

The Ministry of Livestock Development’s establishment reflects Tinubu’s strategic political maneuvering, aiming to address regional tensions and enhance his political standing ahead of future elections. However, critics like Idam caution that without fundamental changes in governance and resource allocation, the ministry may not effectively address underlying issues.