The creation of a Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Tinubu has been praised by Prof. Mohammed Yakubu, Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Leather Science and Technology in Zaria, Kaduna State, who called it a brilliant move that would reposition the country’s economy and reduce insecurity.

“We must thank President Bola Tinubu for this foresight, and we welcome the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development,” Yakubu said to reporters on Sunday.

He declared, “The ministry will harness the immense potential of the livestock industry to boost the economy, while also addressing the lingering issues of banditry and farmers-herders clashes.”

According to Yakubu, the leather sector alone brings in over $3 billion a year and has enormous growth potential.

He stressed that NILEST would work with the new ministry to expand the livestock sub-sector’s value chain, boosting foreign exchange revenues and creating jobs for skilled artisans.

“Many problems will be solved and two birds will be killed with one stone,” the head of NILEST continued.Conflicts between farmers and herders and banditry will be resolved, and the economy will gain a great deal.

“How the animal is raised and what age we acquire the greatest hides and skins are things that fascinate us. That ministry therefore has to have a section that investigates this matter.

NILEST will partner with this ministry the moment it joins; there will be a lot of collaboration between us. The meat industry relies heavily on hides and skin, which account for 15% of each animal’s total worth.

He asked Nigerians and stakeholders to help the government make sure the ministry launches successfully.

He emphasised that “for the benefit of the nation as a whole, we must support the government to ensure the proper takeoff of this ministry.”

Yakubu stated that Nigeria is ready to capitalise on the enormous potential of its livestock industry, fostering economic growth, lowering insecurity, and enhancing livelihoods. This is made possible by the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development.