Senate President laments neglect of livestock sector, calls for government support

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan on Thursday lamented that the livestock sub-sector has suffered neglect over the years and called on the authourities to accord the sector due recognition and support.

Lawan made the call while playing host to a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, led by the Minister, Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar and also representatives of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, led by it’s President, Dr. Mrs. Adetuberu Catherine Olutoyin.

In his remarks, the Senate President noted that the livestock sector did not get the attention it deserves from the government and accused some people of being hypocritical on the issue of possible government support for the livestock business.

He said: “This sector, the livestock sector, does not get the attention of the government. And I find it strange that here, you have a sector that has the potential of boosting our economy significantly and yet it is neglected.

“I am not a Fulani in any way. I don’t have any Fulani blood but I think our livestock rearers have not received a fair deal all through our history.

“As elected people, we owe every segment of those that elect us the obligation and responsibility to do what is right, to draw attention of government and where we are able to do something personally we do so for the betterment of our people.

“I think many Nigerians have been hypocritical. When it comes to livestock rearers, they will say, No, No, No. government should not support them, it is private business. That is hypocricy.

“What can be more private than banks. Individual will establish bank, steal the money, then AMCON will take over. They will call it toxic assets and put the burden on our head.

“Government has given over N1.2 trillion to Electricity Distribution Companies that have been sold to people. Even those who are engaged in crop farming, they get something, maybe free, and when it comes to livestock, they will say it is private business. That is hypocricy. And it is unfair to those who are engaged in livestock farming.

“This is 2022. Next year there will be elections for President, Governors, Senators, House of Representatives and state Assembly members. In the APC, I will fight until our manifesto provides for our livestock sub-sector programme.

“Yes, I will lead the fight and there will be no problem because I believe that our administration must do something. And whatever is left for this administration, I am going to get more of my colleagues to push something for the livestock sector. Fair is fair.

“We just have to be fair to people and I think we have not been fair to our livestock animal rearers and fishermen. Our livestock sub-sector needs better attention.

“And I’m not talking politics. Leaders, at all levels of government, Federal, states and Local Government, must do something to address this. And Nigerians must desist from being hypocritical.”

The Senate President has, for about five years, through his foundation, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan(SAIL) Foundation launched an annual programme of free vaccination for cattle, goats and sheeps in his Yobe North Senatorial District.

The Foundation also provides solar boreholes and hand pump facilities for the livestock animal rearers in his Constituency and many more Veterinary services to assist the growth of the sector.

The Senate President was honoured with the award of  “Champion for the Control of Peste Des Petit Ruminants(PPR) in Nigeria.

The award was presented to him by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar on behalf of his Ministry, the World Organization of Animal Health, Food and Agriculture Organization and other relevant bodies. 

Similarly the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association(NVMA) also honoured Lawan with the Award of Excellence.

NVMA President, Dr Mrs Adetuberu Catherine Olutoyin who presented the Award said it was “in recognition and appreciation of his contributions to the Veterinary profession and public health protection.”

The Minister, Dr Abubakar explained that, among the livestock diseases, PPR remained a major constraint to small ruminant production in Africa.

He told the Senate President: “We are well aware that this title comes with enormous responsibilities and we have no doubt in our minds that our new PPR Champion is equal to the task.

“We look forward to having you use your good office to lead and mobilise relevant stakeholders in the fight against this high economically devastating disease, affecting the livelihoods of most families in our rural communities and by extension the economy of the nation.”

Adebayo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Evelyn Ngige, said, the SON has a big role to play in facilitating trade and ensuring that local goods and services compete favourably in the international market and guarantee that excellence is maintained across all production lines in the country. 

“This is even more importance now that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has opened up the domestic market in the continent of Africa. The organisation must, therefore, support industrial development, facilitate trade and finance investment for Nigerian economy. 

The minister noted that consistent high ranking of the agency has rasied the profile of the supervising agency as government is aware of the innovations by SON in making access to the agency by business owners, efficient and effective trade facilitators.

“It should remain committed to ensuring policy and continuous improvement of all that is produced locally and imported from elsewhere,” Adebayo said. 

Meanwhile, the Director General of Standard Organisations of Nigeria, Mallam Farouk Salim, also expressed his delight as he indulged the assistance of MAN to improve the act that established the organisation. 

The Director General said the agency, established by Act No. 56 of 1971 as amended by Act No. 14 of 2015, has since been empowered by its present Act with more powers to check the production, importation, circulation and sale of sub-standard products across the country.

He said the organisation as a corporate body has been at the heart of industry, sitting at the pinnacle of standardisation work in Nigeria. “We are aware of our roles in the industries, we in the last two years, concentrated on some critical areas that add value to the industry.

“My predecessor spent a lot of time and efforts to review the one we are using today after seven years, the act is not punitive enough, we need to go back to the National Assembly being a democratic society to seek for more punitive treatment for criminals .

“Because these criminal individuals destroy our industries, economy, tax base and some of the sponsors of these activities are in the country. All these activities are tied down to sub-standard goods and people selling them.  

“A lot of factories will not be here today if sub-standard goods are allowed to foster in the country. It’s very important to the nation’s security.

Nevertheless, other past directors of the agency while passing their satisfactory comment, Dr John Akanya said, “quality is a journey that has no destination.” They added that the essence of MANCAP is to ensure that the quality of Nigerian products is being checkmate and that of imported goods. 

President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Franchise Meshioye applauded the organisation for a  good job in maintaining standards in the country.

“With good things which they are doing and we want them to continue to be focused in promoting standard. We want to be sure that products  brought in and produced in Nigeria can compete favourably in any part of the country. 

Particularly at this time of AfCFTA, when goods will be going out and coming. The manufacturing concern is that we should have products that are of good quality that will compete favourably with other products in other countries.

It will promote the industrial sector in Nigeria.”

The event which was held at Lagos is to commemorate the 50 years of the agency’s journey and to celebrate the exemplary staff, past directors, industries for their unanimous collaboration with the development of the agency. 

However, the high point of the event was presentation of awards and appreciations to deserving staff, companies, directors and director generals.

A staff of the organisation, Mrs. Aminat Haliru was recognisedas the organisation’s outstanding staff of the year and the management of Innoson Motors awarded her with G20 Innosonvehicle while some companies were also recognised for their contributions and  accomplishments in areas of standardisation.

“The successes of SON over the years are also because of the tremendous work of the staff both past and present. Permit me to place on record our appreciation for their services.”