By Onwe Wisdom | Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated the maiden meeting of the National Council on Livestock Development (NCLD) in Yola, Adamawa State, marking what officials described as a historic turning point for Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Declaring the meeting open, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Akujobi, said the event signals “a defining moment in our journey to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector into a globally competitive and sustainable apparatus of growth.”
Akujobi emphasized that the establishment of the NCLD will reshape the policy direction of the sector. “By formally inaugurating the NCLD today, we are setting a new tone for livestock development in Nigeria, which is anchored on collaboration, innovation and private sector–driven growth,” she stated.
According to her, the Council will serve as the apex body for policy coordination, resource mobilization, and strengthening partnerships to deliver measurable results for Nigerians.
She explained that the renewed push for livestock development aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. “This initiative aligns perfectly with an agenda that prioritizes food security, economic diversification, value addition, job creation and export growth,” Akujobi noted, adding that the livestock industry remains “a key pillar in achieving these national aspirations.”
The Permanent Secretary stressed that the meeting is not merely ceremonial but designed to produce actionable policies. “This meeting offers us a unique opportunity not just to deliberate, but to define the future. It is a call to action,” she said.
She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing policy frameworks, incentives and an enabling environment to stimulate investment, strengthen value chains and expand wealth-creating opportunities for citizens, especially women and youth.
“Every policy we shape, every partnership we forge, and every innovation we nurture must translate into better livelihoods for our livestock farmers, value chain actors and Nigerians at large,” she added.
Akujobi expressed optimism that the maiden NCLD meeting would produce tangible and sustainable outcomes. “We look forward to actionable outcomes… outcomes that will reinforce our collective resolve to build a livestock sector that is not only productive but also equitable, resilient, sustainable and globally competitive.”
She thanked the Government and people of Adamawa State for hosting the landmark event, acknowledging the support of development partners and organizers. “Together we can rekindle hope, reimagine possibilities, and redefine the future of livestock development in Nigeria,” she concluded.
The meeting brought together federal and state officials, traditional rulers, development partners, and livestock sector stakeholders from across the country.
