By Atoyebi Nike
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri urged the Federal Government to support Adamawa State’s livestock and ranching reforms during the maiden National Council on Livestock Development in Yola on Monday. Represented by Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta, Fintiri welcomed delegates, noting that Yola has become a preferred venue for conferences, investments, and tourism due to its peaceful environment and modern infrastructure.
The governor highlighted Adamawa’s livestock sector, which contributes about 43% of the state GDP and supports household livelihoods, nutrition, trade, culture, and job creation. Adamawa created a dedicated Ministry for Livestock Development 20 years ago, pioneering reforms later adopted by other states and the Federal Government.
“Livestock development is not just an agricultural activity; it is an economic strategy, a food security measure, and a public health engagement,” Fintiri said, stressing the need to meet growing national demand for animal protein.
He outlined major state reforms, including rehabilitating grazing reserves and stock routes, constructing and desilting dams, modernizing livestock markets, rebuilding the Yola ultra-modern abattoir, establishing veterinary hospitals and laboratories, artificial insemination centres, cold-chain facilities, and strengthened disease surveillance. The state has also increased recruitment of veterinary professionals to improve animal health services.
Acknowledging challenges such as climate change, disease outbreaks, and farmer–herder conflicts, Fintiri called for a coordinated approach to modernize livestock production, improve the value chain, and enhance resilience. He urged the Federal Government to reconsider Adamawa’s Natural Resource Fund Grant Application submitted in May 2024, aimed at grazing reserve management and conflict mitigation.
Fintiri reminded delegates that Adamawa led the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), hosting its pilot launch in September 2025, and sought funding for the state’s Model Demonstration Pilot Ranch. He encouraged participants to engage actively in council deliberations to shape policies for a prosperous livestock sector in Nigeria.
