The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has embarked on a working visit to Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, to explore avenues for strengthening Nigeria’s livestock sector.

As part of his tour, the Minister paid a courtesy visit to Governor Bassey Otu, who was represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey. During discussions, Maiha emphasized the vast but underutilized potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry, estimated to be worth ₦33 trillion. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to modernizing the sector through improved animal husbandry practices, enhanced disease prevention strategies, and infrastructure development.

Governor Otu, through his deputy, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed Cross River State’s readiness to support livestock expansion. He cited the state’s success in boosting cocoa production as an example of how strategic investment can transform agriculture and expressed willingness to apply similar efforts in livestock development.

Recognizing existing industry challenges, the Governor underscored the necessity of cooperation among the Federal Government, state authorities, traditional leaders, and pastoralist groups to ensure the effective implementation of livestock policies.

As part of his engagements, Minister Maiha and his delegation toured various livestock facilities in the metropolis to assess industry bottlenecks and identify opportunities for improvement. Additionally, they engaged with the Hausa community in the state, fostering dialogue to better understand their concerns and the support they require for sustainable livestock farming.

This visit signals a renewed drive to harness Nigeria’s livestock potential, paving the way for policies and investments that could unlock economic growth and food security.