Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has called for the removal of obstacles in the livestock trade in the country.
Speaking in Yola yesterday, when he received the minister of livestock development, Idi Mukhtar, the governor cited roadblocks and extortion of cattle traders on highways as major obstacles hindering the livestock trade that needed to be addressed.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for creating the ministry and appointing Idi Maiha, describing it as one of the biggest decisions the government has ever made.
Governor Fintiri expressed confidence in the minister’s ability to deliver on his mandate, citing his intellect and capacity to revitalise the sector.
He said Adamawa State has made significant contributions to the livestock industry, with 29 million livestock leaving Mubi for Lagos and generating Lagos N29 billion from the Mubi market alone.
He emphasised the state’s commitment to developing the agriculture sector, leveraging livestock, and accessing loans from capital markets.
Governor Fintiri also revealed plans to build modern abattoirs and cattle hubs in the state in collaboration with investors.
He praised the minister’s initiative to introduce technology to track cattle rustling, which will help address security challenges in the country.
Earlier, Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha acknowledged Adamawa State’s rich animal resources and thanked the governor for the warm reception.
He commended the governor’s foresight in building a northern international cattle market in Mubi and praised the state’s urban infrastructure.
Maiha emphasised the federal government’s commitment to leveraging the livestock sector’s potential for the country’s benefit, highlighting the country’s 415 grazing reserves, with Adamawa State boasting over 33 reserves.