President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development. This announcement coincided with the inauguration of the Renewed Hope livestock reform implementation committee at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday. The committee's mission is to develop sector-specific solutions to address the long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders.

On September 14, 2023, the National Livestock Reforms Committee advised President Tinubu to establish a "Ministry of Livestock Resources" to mitigate the decades-old violent conflicts between farmers and nomadic cattle herders nationwide. Abdullahi Ganduje, former Kano State Governor and Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress revealed this recommendation after meeting with the President at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

The recommendation was part of 21 proposals submitted to the President to enhance the Federal Government’s comprehensive response to ongoing violence. The document detailed suggested solutions, advocating a reform agenda that includes conflict mitigation and resource management. It emphasized the establishment and restoration of grazing reserves, as well as other land utilization methods.

The committee suggested creating the Ministry of Livestock Resources, noting its alignment with practices in many West African countries. Alternatively, it recommended expanding the scope of existing Departments of Livestock Production at both federal and state levels to address the industry's broader needs.

Ganduje highlighted the complexity of the issue, noting that the government's approach must consider four types of herders: those who are settled, nomadic herdsmen traveling across the country, herders from neighboring West African countries, and those integrated into certain ethnic tribes. He lamented the sector’s low productivity, which forces Nigeria to rely on imports, draining scarce foreign reserves for dairy, meat, and other livestock products.

He also pointed out that the conflicts result in citizen deaths and loss of livelihoods, negatively impacting peaceful coexistence in the country. Ganduje emphasized the need for a strong institution to implement the recommendations, advocating for the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock and subsequent agencies.

The committee also recommended funding sources, including contributions from international organizations, the private sector, and the government.