The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has guaranteed that the Nigerian government will support cattle owners.
According to Lawan, the livestock sub-sector has been neglected throughout the years, and he has called on the authorities to recognize and promote the industry.
He made the announcement while hosting a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture led by Minister Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar.
2023 Presidency: We’ll Return Nigeria To Nigerians – Peter Obi
The Senate President remarked in his speech that the livestock sector does not receive the attention it deserves from the government and accused some persons of being disingenuous on the question of potential government help for the livestock industry.
He said, “This sector, the livestock sector, does not get the attention of the government. And I find it strange that here, you have a sector that has the potential of boosting our economy significantly and yet it is neglected.
“I am not a Fulani in any way. I don’t have any Fulani blood but I think our livestock rearers have not received a fair deal all through our history.
“As elected people, we owe every segment of those that elect us the obligation and responsibility to do what is right, to draw attention of government and where we are able to do something personally we do so for the betterment of our people.
Breaking: Northern Elders Forum orders herdsmen out of southern Nigeria
“I think many Nigerians have been hypocritical. When it comes to livestock rearers, they will say, No, No, No. government should not support them, it is private business. That is hypocrisy.
“What can be more private than banks; individuals will establish bank, steal the money, then AMCON will take over. They will call it toxic assets and put the burden on our head.
“Government has given over N1.2 trillion to Electricity Distribution Companies that have been sold to people. Even those who are engaged in crop farming, they get something, maybe free, and when it comes to livestock, they will say it is private business. That is hypocrisy. And it is unfair to those who are engaged in livestock farming.
“This is 2022. Next year there will be elections for President, Governors, Senators, House of Representatives and state Assembly members. In the APC, I will fight until our manifesto provides for our livestock sub-sector programme.
Miyetti Allah Reveals Why The Support Tinubu-Shettima Presidency
“Yes, I will lead the fight and there will be no problem because I believe that our administration must do something. And whatever is left for this administration, I am going to get more of my colleagues to push something for the livestock sector. Fair is fair.
“We just have to be fair to people and I think we have not been fair to our livestock animal rearers and fishermen. Our livestock sub-sector needs better attention.
“And I’m not talking politics. Leaders, at all levels of government, Federal, states and Local Government, must do something to address this. And Nigerians must desist from being hypocritical.”
For the past five years, the Senate President has initiated a yearly free vaccination program for cattle, goats, and sheep in his Yobe North Senatorial District through his charity, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (SAIL) Foundation.
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.