For decades, Nigeria’s livestock sector has grappled with persistent issues like limited grazing land, conflicts between farmers and herders, and outdated practices.
These challenges have hindered the growth and potential of livestock farming across the nation.
However, in Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is demonstrating that with strong leadership, planning, and inclusivity, significant improvements are possible.
Under his administration, Gombe has taken bold steps to modernize the livestock sector, benefiting both pastoralists and the state’s economy.
The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, launched by the governor, has been a major success, delivering real results in just one year.
By appointing the experienced veterinary expert, Prof. Usman Bello Abubakar, as project coordinator, Governor Yahaya has ensured that the initiative is based on expert knowledge and active stakeholder engagement.
One of the standout features of L-PRES is the introduction of a free artificial insemination (AI) program, which introduces high-yield exotic cattle breeds into Gombe’s farming community.
This initiative is designed to increase dairy production, transitioning pastoralists from subsistence farming to more profitable commercial ventures.
Governor Yahaya has also prioritized resolving the climate-related challenges that Gombe’s farmers face.
Through the provision of solar-powered boreholes, the state has made water more accessible in strategic areas, reducing the need for seasonal migration and minimizing conflicts.
Additionally, the establishment of milk collection centres in Funakaye, Nafada, and Kwami is giving dairy farmers reliable access to structured markets, helping to protect women and children from the dangers of traditional milk hawking.
Looking ahead, Gombe’s plans for an international livestock market and modern abattoir are poised to make the state a key player in Nigeria’s livestock industry.
These initiatives will boost trade, attract investment, and ensure hygienic meat production, increasing revenue and creating jobs.
Governor Yahaya’s approach also addresses the longstanding farmer-herder conflicts in the region.
By forming a dedicated Farmer-Herder Conflict Prevention and Settlement Committee, which actively engages with communities across Gombe, the state has made significant strides in reducing tensions before they escalate.
The governor has also implemented a strict seasonal migration policy, which restricts pastoralists from entering Gombe until after the harvest season, helping to reduce clashes.
Furthermore, the re-mapping of grazing reserves and cattle routes promises to resolve land disputes in the long term.
Governor Yahaya’s bold leadership in revitalizing Gombe’s livestock sector is not just an example of progress for the state but sets a blueprint for the rest of Nigeria and even Africa.
His administration is proving that modernizing agriculture requires more than infrastructure; it needs community engagement, technology, and forward-thinking policies.
As Modibbo Yahaya, the Gombe MACBAN Chairman, highlighted, “If we continue on this path, Gombe will not only be a model for northern Nigeria but for the entire African continent.”
To maintain this momentum, the state should conduct a comprehensive livestock census to track both indigenous and exotic cattle, prevent cattle rustling, and improve security.
As the state continues to embrace modern livestock practices, its progress will likely inspire other regions to follow suit.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s transformative work in the livestock sector reinforces his commitment to Gombe’s economic growth and agricultural prosperity, paving the way for a brighter future.
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