FG Commends Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s Bold Strides in Livestock Sector
…Gombe’s Agro-Livestock Vision Aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
…Governor, Minister Flag Off 184-Hectare Development Zone
…N120bn Federal Support, N50bn Water Project Announced
Gombe, 14th June 2025 – The Federal Government has commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his transformative vision in livestock development, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The commendation came during the official flag-off ceremony of a massive 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone in Gombe, a flagship project aimed at revolutionizing agricultural productivity and boosting the livestock value chain.
Minister Lauds Gombe's Leadership in Livestock Development
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who performed the groundbreaking alongside Governor Yahaya, described the initiative as a “historic milestone” for Nigeria’s agro-industrial transformation.
“This investment will process 500 bulls, 1,000 small ruminants, and 3,000 poultry birds daily—over 1 million poultry annually. It is a game-changer not just for the Northeast, but for all of Nigeria,” the Minister said.
He added that the development zone is a model for other states to follow, praising Governor Yahaya’s practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action.
Features of the Agro-Livestock Development Zone
The project is designed as a modern livestock industrial hub and will include:
- An ultramodern abattoir
- An international cattle market
- Tannery and leather-processing plants
- A dry inland port to facilitate export of livestock and grain products
Inuwa Yahaya: “A Turning Point for Gombe’s Economy”
Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the project marks a historic shift for Gombe’s economy and livelihood systems.
“This is a bold step towards a prosperous and sustainable livestock economy. Over 80% of our population is engaged in agriculture and livestock. This zone will unlock new opportunities for prosperity,” he declared.
The Governor traced the inspiration for the project to Gombe’s rich history as a trading center in the 1920s, under the leadership of Sarki Haruna.
He noted that the zone is a culmination of previous reforms and initiatives including:
- Mass vaccination campaigns
- Milk cooperatives
- Veterinary improvements
- Drilling of 70+ solar-powered boreholes
- Redemarcation of grazing reserves under the L-PRES project
N50bn Water Canal Project from River Gongola
Governor Yahaya also unveiled a new N50 billion water canalization project from River Gongola to Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve. The canal will be 36 km long and benefit:
- 1 million pastoralists directly
- 5 million people indirectly
The project is supported by USAID and Mercy Corps under the Feed the Future Nigeria Rural Resilience Activity, and is expected to improve food security, climate resilience, and livestock sustainability.
FG Approves N120bn, Gombe Accesses N60bn
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving N120 billion in federal support for agriculture, disclosing that:
- N60 billion has already been accessed
- Funds will fast-track infrastructure development in the Agro-Livestock Zone
The ultramodern abattoir contract has been awarded to Lubell Nigeria Limited at N7.5 billion, with a 9-month completion period.
Commendations from Stakeholders
- MACBAN National President, Alhaji Baba Othman Ngelzarma, lauded the Governor’s inclusive and peaceful approach to managing farmer-herder relations.
- Emir of Gombe, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, CFR, praised the initiative and urged communities to take ownership of the project.
- Agriculture Commissioner, Mr. Barnabas Malle, confirmed that the Governor has consistently backed reforms and programmes to transform agriculture in Gombe.
Event Highlights
- Foundation laying of the abattoir by the Governor and the Minister
- Symbolic tree planting exercise to promote sustainability
- Participation by traditional leaders, herder groups, development partners, and CSOs
End