Borno State Governor, Babagana Umar Zulum, has instructed his cabinet to shift focus from federal allocations towards boosting livestock production and establishing export avenues for meat products.
The directive was issued on Tuesday following the swearing-in ceremony for two new commissioners into the state executive council.
Zulum highlighted that with strategic investment in livestock, Borno could enhance its revenue generation while gradually reducing its dependence on federal funding. He stated, “We must work hard and reduce our dependency on federal allocation. This is the time for us to start thinking out of the box and create wealth as soon as possible.”
He continued, “Let’s invest in projects that will bring money to the state; we can make a lot of money in livestock. We are not taking it lightly anymore. Let’s procure high-yield livestock and invest in milk production. The market is ready, and it doesn’t cost much for us to invest in milk production.”
Additionally, Zulum expressed intentions to explore aquaculture and agriculture, underscoring the profitability of fishing: “We will immediately start looking towards strategic investments in aquaculture; there is money in the fishing business; we have vast potential in agriculture; all we need is to invest wisely.”
Leveraging Borno’s rich pastoral resources, he emphasized the state’s potential in the beef market, both domestically and internationally.
“We can also invest in meat production. With the international wing taking off at our airport, we are close to Asian and Arab countries, so we can start exporting meat as soon as possible. We don’t need much to start but the commitment and political will,” Zulum added.
The governor also announced the formation of a new Ministry of Livestock, appointing Deputy Governor Umar Usman Karafur as the supervising commissioner. “I want to use this opportunity to announce the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock which should align its mission with that of the federal government,” he said.
On the same day, Governor Zulum oversaw the swearing-in of two new commissioners to the state executive council.
Alhaji Umar Lawan Dalorima and Architect Isa Ali Haladu were appointed to succeed the late commissioners for the Ministry of Finance, Ahmed Ali, and the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement, Engr Ibrahim Idriss.
The Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zanna, administered the oath of office and allegiance.
