Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Federal Government and private investors to modernize the livestock sector, with plans to establish a modern abattoir and improve livestock value chains across the state.
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, pledged yesterday, Friday, at the Government House, Kano, while receiving the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who was on a working visit to the state on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Garo said the minister’s visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and Kano State in livestock development, covering cattle rearing, poultry, fisheries, hides and skins, dairy production, and other businesses within the livestock value chain.
He described the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a landmark initiative, noting that the Kano State Government had also established a similar ministry under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to drive growth in the sector.
The deputy governor noted that Kano has a long-standing reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading livestock-producing and exporting states, supplying cattle to major markets across the country, including Lagos, as well as to other African nations. He said the state remains committed to preserving and expanding that legacy.
According to him, discussions with the Federal Government focused on attracting investors to build a modern abattoir while upgrading the existing Kano abattoir, which has served the state for more than six decades.
He explained that the project would enable livestock to be processed locally to international standards instead of exporting animals elsewhere for processing.
“We will collaborate with the ministry to ensure that this modern abattoir becomes a reality. It will create jobs for our youths, revive the hides and skins industry, and improve the quality of meat processing for both local consumption and export,” Garo said.
He added that the partnership would also strengthen poultry production by improving storage facilities, particularly for eggs, while creating better opportunities for women who dominate the sector.
He said the initiative would equally enhance dairy production through improved milk processing, storage and distribution, as well as support fisheries to boost household incomes and promote self-employment.
Garo expressed optimism that the Ministry of Livestock Development would unlock enormous economic opportunities for Nigeria, especially the northern region, stressing that the Kano State Government would continue to work closely with the Federal Government and investors to transform the livestock sector into a major driver of economic growth and employment.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said his visit to Kano State was part of a working tour aimed at strengthening collaboration with the state government and the people of Kano to advance the livestock sector.
The minister expressed confidence in Kano’s enormous agricultural potential, noting that the state’s abundant natural resources, including its more than thirteen (13) dams, position it to successfully implement the Federal Government’s livestock development blueprint.
“We have all the resources, and with more than thirteen (13) dams in the state, we can achieve the blueprint we have in no time,” Maiha said.
He also commended the Kano State Government for its political commitment to the sector, recalling his earlier meeting with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in Abuja.
“I recall the last time I met His Excellency, the Governor, in Abuja during the National Coalition for the Presidential nomination. I briefed him on our plans, and within two minutes he said, ‘Kano is ready and waiting for you.’ To me, that statement says it all,” the minister remarked.
Hon. Maiha expressed optimism that Kano would become a major hub for livestock development, describing it as Nigeria’s commercial centre with immense economic potential.
He further applauded the state government for establishing a Ministry of Livestock Development, saying the move demonstrates its commitment to transforming the sector.
