By Segun Otokiti, Abuja-– Vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Livestock, Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), has said the creation of the ministry of livestock would open new opportunities for all Nigerians and not the northerners alone.
Ningi gave the assurance at the maiden meeting of the committee at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja on Tuesday.
The Senate had summoned the minister of livestock development, Idi Maiha, to appear before it and present the ministry’s blueprint and how it would be implemented.
Ningi said, “We will first understand the role and the essence of the committee and for this, we have to invite the minister to give us their priority areas. We want Nigerians to have the impact of livestock development. It is not just about the North, but the entire country.”
Also speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Musa Mustapha (Yobe East), said it was committed to delivering on its mandate in the interest of the nation.
President Tinubu recently established the ministry of livestock development following the adoption of a report of the National Livestock Reforms Committee chairmen by Professor Attahiu Jega.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), said one of the mandates of the committee is to also ensure that the issue of farmer/herder clashes is nipped in the bud, stressing that lawmakers were determined to end the crisis in the country.
“Yes, the issue of farmer/herder clashes is one of the reasons for the creation of livestock development ministry, and our mandate as a committee is to also look into that issue,” Lalong stated.
