The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Katsina State Government, has unveiled plans to convert approximately 123,000 hectares of grazing reserves in the state into modern ranches and livestock support facilities. The initiative aims to modernize animal production, boost productivity, and expand Nigeria’s halal meat export market.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, announced the plan during a meeting with Governor Dikko Umaru Radda at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Maiha commended the Katsina government for its early and proactive investment in livestock development, noting the state’s establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development and Nigeria’s largest goat rearing farm, housing over 3,000 goats.
He emphasized that converting the grazing reserves into modern ranches would enhance livestock management, promote sustainable animal production, and create jobs across the agricultural value chain.
> “We will work closely with the Katsina State Government to develop modern ranches and livestock infrastructure that can boost productivity and generate jobs across the value chain,” Maiha stated.
The minister further disclosed plans to visit Katsina soon to assess priority areas of collaboration and finalize implementation frameworks for the project.
In his remarks, Governor Radda described the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a visionary step towards transforming Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock economy.
He highlighted Katsina’s strength as a livestock hub in northern Nigeria, with over 90 per cent of its population engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Radda also unveiled the state’s plan to develop halal meat processing plants through public-private partnerships (PPP) to target export markets in the Middle East. He noted that the initiative would not only attract investment but also create employment opportunities and strengthen agribusiness value chains.
> “Our goal is to make Katsina the northern hub for halal meat production and export. This will create jobs, attract investors, and grow the state’s economy,” Radda said.
Meanwhile, experts in the food and nutrition sector have stressed the importance of promoting nutrient-rich, fermented foods as part of Nigeria’s broader food and nutrition strategy.
According to officials, fermented foods are rich in essential micronutrients such as zinc and iron. The revised National Food and Nutrition Policy seeks to encourage diverse and nutrient-dense diets to combat malnutrition nationwide.
Dr. Francis Aminu, Director of Health and Nutrition at the African Development Foundation (ADF), cited insights from the report “Fermentation: The Ancient Solution to Modern Challenges”, emphasizing the urgency of improving nutrition outcomes.
> “Our goal is to adapt these insights to Nigeria’s unique challenges. With 40 per cent of children—around 12 million—affected by stunting, we must act urgently. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to improve nutrition, reduce food insecurity, and empower communities across Nigeria,” Dr. Aminu said.
