NSGF adoption of livestock transformation plan ’ll bring peaceful coexistence – ACF

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Saturday lauded Northern States Governors Forum’s adoption of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), noting that it would engender peaceful coexistence in the region.

The Forum however urged the Federal Government to provide adequate funding and infrastructure for the programme to enable it boost livestock production and provide vital employment opportunities within the livestock value chain for teeming Nigerian youth.

Speaking in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna, ACF National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, urged the states participating in the programme to make the best use of the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and ensure end products that would benefit Nigerian economy.

“The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) commends the Northern States Governors Forum for adopting the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) at its emergency meeting held in Kaduna on the 12th September 2019.

“The National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) was earlier commissioned by the National Economic Council (NEC) under the chairmanship of the Vice President. The NLTP was designed to strengthen and support the livestock activity for improved productivity, pasture production, efficient land and water utilization to ensure livestock management as an economic and socio-cultural activity.

‘It was for these reasons the NSGF adopted the plan and urged states to key in as a panacea to the current insecurity challenges in particular the rampant herders/farmers unnecessary clashes and also the need to modernize pastoral activities.

“ACF applauds this laudable and courageous decision by the NSGF as it will go a long way in not only improving the livestock production but will also ensure peaceful coexistence among herders and farmers especially in the Northern states. 

“ACF hope that states that key into the program will embrace it holistically to not only benefit from the available NLTP funds, but also ensure accountability and judicious utilization of the funds for the benefit of the herders.

“ACF also appeal to the Federal Government to ensure that states willing to participate in the program are given maximum encouragement through its policy of intervention by way of adequate funding and provision of infrastructure that will not only boost livestock production, but also provide employment opportunities within the livestock value chain.

“ACF therefore calls upon the states governors, traditional and religious leaders, groups and individuals to sensitize Nigerians on the benefits of such laudable programs instead of the unnecessary politicization that usually follows such government’s projects, conceived for the benefits of Nigerians, as it will do no good to our collective development as a nation,” Biu said.

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