Aduragbemi Omiyale
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The former Senate President, Mr Ahmad Lawan, has advised the federal government to invest in the livestock industry, noting that not much has been done to tap into the N30 trillion sector.
The lawmaker gave this advice at the flag-off ceremony of the sixth livestock vaccination programme in Yusufari local government area of Yobe State.
He said the industry can boost the economy and improve the nation’s revenue if sufficient investments are done by the government, noting that government investment in the livestock space is currently not commensurate with its value.
“This is the sixth time we are doing this vaccination for our livestock over the last six year.
“Livestock in this zone – Yobe North, and, indeed, across other parts of Nigeria, and our neighbouring country of Niger, enjoy from this free annual livestock vaccination that we undertake every year.
“This is because we owe our nomads and herdsmen this much. I believe that the contribution of the livestock sector in Nigeria is huge economically, and, the government can only be fair to the livestock sector if it invests appropriately and justifiably.
“Today, the livestock sector is worth over N30 trillion in Nigeria. How can you not invest in this sector? I will take this opportunity to emphasise my earlier calls for more and more investments by the Federal Government of Nigeria in the livestock sector.
“But here is the good news; the good news is that our dear President, His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, through our Renewed Hope Agenda, has good tidings for the agricultural sector and also the livestock sector.
“We support Mr President, fully, totally and completely, to ensure that the livestock sector in Nigeria is supported by the federal government,” Mr Lawan was quoted as saying in a statement issued on Saturday by his media adviser, Mr Ezrel Tabiowo.
The former Senate President, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, organises an annual livestock vaccination programme aimed at protecting livestock from common diseases and ensuring their health.
Veterinarians are on hand to administer vaccines to cattle, sheep, goats, and other animals. The initiative also includes the distribution of free livestock feed and supplements to help improve the health and productivity of livestock. It is done to complement the efforts of the Governor of Yobe State, Mr Mai Mala Buni.
