The Federal Government has commended governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state for his groundbreaking initiatives in livestock and agricultural development, describing them as a model for other states and a strategic complement to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, gave the commendation during the official flag-off of a 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone in Gombe State on Saturday. The project, a flagship of the Yahaya administration, aims to revolutionize agro-industrial production in the region.
Speaking, Minister Maiha hailed the initiative as a transformative step not only for the Northeast but for Nigeria as a whole.
“This development zone is a game-changer,” he said. “With the capacity to process 500 bulls, 1,000 small ruminants, and 3,000 poultry daily, it demonstrates what is possible when vision meets action. Governor Yahaya has shown the way forward, and other states should follow suit.”
The development zone will feature state- of-the-art facilities including an ultramodern abattoir, international cattle market, tannery, leather processing center, and an inland dry port to facilitate trade and exports.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the event as a historic turning point for the state’s economy, particularly its agricultural and livestock sectors.
“This project reaffirms our commitment to empowering our people and restoring Gombe’s legacy as a hub for grain and livestock trade,” he said. “It is the result of years of planning, reforms, and investments in veterinary services, milk cooperatives, water supply, and grazing reserve development.”
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The Governor also announced a bold N50 billion water canalization project that will channel water from River Gongola to the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve. The 36-kilometre canal is expected to directly support over one million pastoralists and benefit more than five million people indirectly, improving food security and climate resilience.
In a major financial boost, governor Yahaya revealed that President Tinubu has approved N120 billion to support Gombe’s agricultural development initiatives. Of that, N60 billion has already been accessed and will be used to fast-track infrastructure development within the livestock zone.
The ultramodern abattoir, a key component of the zone, has been awarded to Lubell Nigeria Limited at a cost of N7.5 billion, with a completion timeline of nine months. Governor Yahaya urged the contractor to meet global standards in execution.
Also speaking at the event, the National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Baba Othman Ngelzarma, praised governor Yahaya for promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders and revitalizing grazing reserves.
The Emir of Gombe, HRH Alh. (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, also commended the initiative, urging beneficiaries to take full ownership and ensure the project’s sustainability.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Mr. Barnabas Malle, noted that the governor’s support has enabled the ministry to drive meaningful reforms in the agricultural and livestock sectors.
