The Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, reiterated his administration’s commitment to becoming a leading player in the Halal meat export industry.
He stated this while speaking at the launch of Goats and Sheep distribution to women across the state under the Nigeria Community Action Resilient and Economic Stimulus (NG-CARES), Results Area II (FADAMA CARES), held at Shiwarin.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the State Project Coordinator of FADAMA CARES, Dr. Aliyu Inuwa, said the aim of the program is to increase food security and ensure the safe functioning of the food supply chain for poor households.
Aliyu said that under the program, over 25,300 livestock, including goats and sheep, were distributed to 6,650 rural women as grants across the state.
According to him, “Out of the number of beneficiaries, 5,350 women were given three goats and one he-goat, and 1,300 women were given two sheep and one ram, along with animal feed and transportation fare.”
He explained that the Jigawa State government is embarking on this initiative to harness the state’s vast livestock resources and cater to the increasing global demand for Halal-certified meat.
He said the aim is not only to boost the state’s economy but also to position Jigawa as a key exporter of high-quality, ethically-sourced Halal meat products.
“We are blessed with a rich agricultural base and a thriving livestock sector,” Aliyu stated.
“The State Government intends to leverage this potential to make Jigawa a household name in Halal meat production and exportation.”
“The State government has already employed 300 mobile veterinary doctors, who were given motorcycles and animal healthcare kits, to address the gap in access to animal healthcare services, which has hindered the development of the livestock sector in the state.”
He said the initiative also aligns with the federal government’s efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy, moving away from oil dependency and promoting agriculture as a key revenue source.