Livestock ministry and NHYPPADEC plan rural development partnership

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission have agreed to explore cooperation on livestock production and rural economic development. Livestock Development Minister Idi Mukhtar announced the proposed partnership during a visit to NHYPPADEC’s management and staff in Minna, Niger State, on Friday. He said the commission’s work in rural communities could support the government’s plans to modernise the livestock sector.

Mukhtar proposed a joint committee representing both institutions. The committee would identify areas of common interest and develop a framework for cooperation, potentially through a memorandum of understanding. The proposed areas include livestock production, water access, pasture development, training and economic empowerment.

Mukhtar said the ministry was working with state governments to establish livestock development centres, with states providing land and choosing value chains for development with federal and private-sector partners. He described NHYPPADEC’s interventions in water supply, infrastructure, youth and women’s empowerment and livelihood support as opportunities for cooperation. He said the ministry could not meet its objectives without working with institutions operating at community level.

NHYPPADEC managing director Abubakar Yelwa welcomed the initiative and said livestock development was a natural area of convergence. He said the commission already supported poultry production, animal husbandry and small-ruminant rearing, as well as training for women in agriculture. Yelwa proposed community livestock farms, poultry projects, feed-formulation centres, pasture and fodder development, farmers’ education and water-related interventions.

He said these activities would complement rather than duplicate the ministry’s policy and technical responsibilities. NHYPPADEC was established by an Act of the National Assembly in 2010 and now operates in 10 states following the inclusion of additional states under the Electricity Act 2023, according to Yelwa. He proposed selecting communities for pilot projects with state livestock ministries.

The commission said the projects could support food production, income, employment and economic opportunities for rural communities, while strengthening access to finance and technical assistance for women and young people.