By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria — January 23, 2026(Series News Online)
Kebbi State Governor and Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) Committee on Livestock Development, Dr. Nasir Idris Kaura Gwandu, presided over the inaugural meeting of the committee, at the Kebbi State Liaison Office in Abuja. The committee's mandate is to reposition Nigeria’s livestock sector as a sustainable, modern, and competitive industry aligned with national economic priorities.
Speaking at the event, Governor Idris stated, “The committee’s terms of reference include reviewing proposals from the Ministry of Livestock Development on the conversion of grazing reserves into communal ranches.” He added that the committee would also examine the report and recommendations of the Presidential Livestock Reform Implementation Committee (PLRIC) towards effective livestock development in Nigeria.
Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, the Chairman explained, “The committee will identify interested states for the implementation of communal ranches, review existing livestock policies, and recommend necessary reforms to strengthen the sector.” Governor Idris further disclosed that the committee would identify Public-Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities across the livestock sector to boost exports and increase the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Highlighting the scope of the committee’s work, Governor Idris said, “A comprehensive situational analysis of Nigeria's livestock sector will be conducted with a view to operationalizing the PLRIC recommendations and transforming grazing reserves into communal ranches.” He added that the committee will engage relevant stakeholders from the Federal and State Governments, the private sector, farmers’ associations, and development partners to ensure effective implementation of the livestock reform agenda.
“A monitoring and evaluation framework will be developed in line with the implementation plan, alongside periodic and final reports to be submitted to the National Economic Council,” Governor Idris said. He also revealed that the committee would develop a clear implementation plan outlining activities, timelines, and responsibilities for identified stakeholders, as well as recommend short, medium, and long-term strategies for livestock development reforms in the country.
Governor Idris announced the inauguration of a sub-committee to be chaired by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. Members of the National Economic Council Committee on Livestock Development include Kebbi State Governor (Chairman, representing North-West geo-political zone), Bauchi State Governor (North-East), Niger State Governor (North-Central), Ondo State Governor (South-West), Imo State Governor (South-East), Cross River State Governor (South-South), Minister of Livestock Development, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of Agriculture, and the Special Adviser on Livestock Development.
In attendance at the meeting were the Kebbi State Commissioner of Agriculture, as well as Budget officials, among others.
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Livestock