Radda Seeks Strategic Partnership on Halal Meat Exports, Ranching, and Livestock Modernization

Radda Seeks Strategic Partnership on Halal Meat Exports, Ranching, and Livestock Modernization

By Zainab Tanimu

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed his administration’s readiness to partner with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to advance halal meat exports, modern ranching, and livestock sector transformation.

Governor Radda made this known during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The visit, he explained, was both to congratulate the Minister on the creation of the new ministry and to explore areas of collaboration that would strengthen livestock development and agribusiness in Katsina State.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, on October 27, 2025, Radda commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the standalone ministry, describing it as a visionary step that would redefine Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock economy.

He emphasized that Katsina State occupies a strategic position as one of Nigeria’s livestock powerhouses, with over 90 percent of its population engaged in agriculture and livestock-related ventures.

“Our people depend heavily on livestock for livelihood and trade. Katsina has a long-standing heritage of animal husbandry, and we are determined to modernize it through innovation and partnership,” the Governor said.

Highlighting some of the state’s ongoing initiatives, Radda pointed to the Goat Rearing Empowerment Scheme and the establishment of a modern goat rearing farm with over 3,000 goats—the largest of its kind in the country. He noted that Katsina had also created its own Ministry of Livestock Development to coordinate policy direction and promote sustainable growth across the livestock value chain.

The Governor further revealed plans to establish halal meat processing plants through Public-Private Partnership arrangements, positioning Katsina as a northern hub for halal meat production and export to Middle Eastern markets.

“This initiative will open new economic frontiers for our people, create jobs, and enhance national GDP growth,” Radda stated.

He appealed for Katsina’s inclusion in the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Livestock Programme, seeking technical and institutional support for the state’s ongoing initiatives. The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry to improve animal feed production, ranching, and livestock infrastructure.

In response, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, commended Governor Radda for his visionary leadership and proactive approach to livestock reform. He described the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development in Katsina as a “gift to the nation’s livestock sector” and applauded the state’s modern goat farm project, calling it a national model.

“What Katsina has done is remarkable. That 3,000-goat farm is the largest in Nigeria and demonstrates true commitment to livestock advancement,” he said.

Maiha disclosed that the Federal Ministry plans to convert about 123,000 hectares of grazing reserves in Katsina into modern ranches and livestock support facilities. He assured the Governor of full collaboration to develop efficient, sustainable livestock management systems and announced an upcoming official visit to Katsina to consolidate joint initiatives.

The Minister also unveiled a national vision to boost livestock productivity and nutrition through a school-based feeding policy that encourages every child to eat an egg, drink milk, and consume a sausage daily—aimed at improving health and stimulating local demand for livestock products.

Earlier, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and technical team praised Katsina’s comparative advantage in livestock development, citing its conducive climate, diverse crop base, and thriving agricultural economy. They lauded the state’s investment in pasture development and revival of over 100,000 gazetted grazing reserves.

Members of the Governor’s delegation included his Principal Private Secretary, Hon. Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Affairs and Development Partners, Hajiya Hadiza Maikudi; Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ahmed Bakori; Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia; and Chairman, Continental Computers Group, Alhaji Salisu Mamman Kadandani.

Governor Radda’s visit, rich in purpose and promise, signaled Katsina’s readiness to take the lead in modern livestock transformation—anchored on innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness.