‎By Muhyideen Jimoh

‎

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has commended the Federal Government for its strategic intervention in the livestock sector, particularly through the release of N60 billion to support the development of an Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone in Gombe State.

The fund is earmarked for the establishment of a 184-hectare agro-livestock facility, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, rural industrialisation, and economic diversification.

Speaking during the project’s groundbreaking, Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State said that the Federal Government had committed a total of N120 billion to the initiative, with N60 billion already disbursed for the first phase.

In a joint statement signed by TSF Chairman Ahmad Sajoh and Secretary Danjuma Sada, the forum lauded the intervention as a bold demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

They noted that the initiative aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at driving rural industrialisation, boosting food security, and enhancing economic diversification through targeted investments in key sectors.

“The N60 billion released for this transformative project is not just a financial commitment, it is a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s agro-livestock economy,” Sajoh said.

The group highlighted the potential of the Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone, which would include an ultramodern abattoir, an international livestock market, fattening hubs, a tannery, and a leather processing factory.

TSF expressed optimism that the facility would address long-standing farmer-herder conflicts, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance meat processing and animal transportation standards.

“It is also expected to create thousands of jobs and expand Nigeria’s non-oil revenue base.

“The forum also lauded the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a strategic and visionary move.

“The creation of this ministry is not just symbolic but reflects strong political will to transform a traditionally overlooked sector into a key economic driver,” the group noted.

They credited Minister Idi Muktar Maiha for developing targeted livestock development programmes aimed at maximising the benefits of the government’s renewed focus on the sector.

TSF further applauded the partnership between the Federal Government and Gombe State, calling it a model for cooperative governance with sustainable impact.

“It urged other state governments, private investors, and entrepreneurs to seize opportunities in the livestock value chain.

“The livestock sector is full of untapped possibilities. With the right investment, Nigeria can become a continental hub for meat processing, dairy production, leather manufacturing, and feed milling.

“President Tinubu is laying the groundwork, it’s now up to stakeholders to key into this national vision,” the forum said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru