For decades, Nigeria’s livestock sector has struggled with shrinking grazing reserves, escalating farmer-herder conflicts, and outdated pastoral practices challenges that have stifled productivity and economic potential. However, in Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is demonstrating that with strategic planning, political will, and inclusive governance, the sector can be revitalized for sustainable growth.
Recognizing the long-standing challenges, his administration has implemented concrete policies and partnerships aimed at modernizing livestock farming. A key initiative driving this transformation is the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, which has yielded remarkable progress within just a year of full implementation.
At the heart of this success is the appointment of Prof. Usman Bello Abubakar, a seasoned veterinary expert, as the project coordinator, ensuring that the initiative is anchored on expertise, inclusivity, and stakeholder engagement. Unlike previous government interventions, livestock farmers in Gombe are now active participants in shaping policies that affect them. This involvement has led to practical solutions such as breed improvement programs, enhanced water access, and modern dairy farming practices tailored to their needs.
One of L-PRES’s most groundbreaking components is the free artificial insemination (AI) program, which introduces high-yield exotic cattle breeds to boost dairy production and profitability. This initiative is shifting pastoralists away from subsistence-level farming toward a more commercially viable model.
Recognizing that water scarcity and seasonal migration are major drivers of conflict, the government has installed solar-powered boreholes in strategic locations, reducing migration pressures and preventing disputes. Additionally, the establishment of milk collection centers in Funakaye, Nafada, and Kwami has created structured markets for dairy farmers, ensuring safer and more profitable trade, particularly for women and children who traditionally hawk milk. Looking ahead, the proposed international livestock market and ultra-modern abattoir will position Gombe as a key player in Nigeria’s livestock value chain, attracting investors, ensuring hygienic meat production, and boosting revenue generation.
Beyond economic development, the administration has taken decisive steps to mitigate farmer-herder conflicts. The Farmer-Herder Conflict Prevention and Settlement Committee, which meets regularly across the state’s emirates and chiefdoms, has played a crucial role in resolving tensions before they escalate. Additionally, strict enforcement of seasonal migration regulations banning pastoralists from entering Gombe until after the harvest season has significantly reduced clashes. The government’s re-mapping and demarcation of grazing reserves and cattle routes further ensure long-term conflict prevention.
Through a blend of community engagement, technological innovation, and forward-thinking policies, Governor Inuwa Yahaya is setting Gombe on course to become a model for livestock management in Nigeria and beyond. His administration’s approach proves that modernizing the livestock sector goes beyond infrastructure it requires active collaboration with stakeholders, strategic investment, and sustainable policy implementation.
