Kogi state government has announced plans to establish a mega international cattle market.
The State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, made this known during a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN).
Dr. Bolarin said the state government’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector as part of its broader strategy for economic diversification and sustainable development is unwavering.
The meeting focused on pressing issues such as the security challenges bedeviling Kogi, describing the engagement as a critical step aligned with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s vision for livestock industrial growth.
Dr. Bolarin noted that the proposed project would significantly boost Kogi’s economic prospects and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
Addressing the delegation led by the State Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Alhaji Umar Yusuf, the Commissioner outlined a two-phase approach.
“The first phase is our direct engagement with Miyetti Allah, which is what we are doing now. The second phase will involve consultations with dairy investors across the state,” he explained.
Dr. Bolarin emphasized the importance of cooperation from Fulani groups in addressing insecurity, acknowledging that criminal elements have sometimes been linked to herder communities. He assured the delegation that promises made by previous administrations would be revisited for possible fulfillment.
To drive the initiative forward, the Commissioner inaugurated a four-man committee—comprising Dr. Shuaibu, Mr. Ali Peter, Mr. Jimoh, and Dr. David Ameh—to liaise with Miyetti Allah and provide actionable recommendations.
He revealed that plans for the Kogi International Livestock and Cattle Market include world-class facilities such as a police station, veterinary clinic, boreholes, offloading bays, trailer parks, boarding areas, and well-demarcated sections to ensure effective organization and security.
“Our goal is to make this market as prominent and functional as the leading cattle markets in Northern Nigeria, attracting traders and buyers from across the country and neighboring nations,” Dr. Bolarin stated.
Challenging the Miyetti Allah leadership to think ambitiously, he urged them to submit a detailed blueprint for the proposed market that could serve as a benchmark both nationally and internationally.
He further disclosed that discussions are ongoing with Islamic banks, other financial institutions, the Federal Ministry of Livestock, and the Presidency to secure the necessary funding and support for the project.
Reiterating the need for peaceful coexistence, Dr. Bolarin stressed, “There can be no meaningful development in an environment threatened by insecurity. Statistics show that a majority of kidnapping incidents have been linked to Fulani elements, including infiltrators from Niger, Libya, and the Sahel region.”
He warned that if the trend persists, the Ministry may have no choice but to recommend a ban on open grazing in the state and push for capital punishment for kidnappers, stressing that Governor Ododo’s administration will not tolerate criminality.
The Commissioner also clarified that no one would be allowed to reside within the market premises and asked the Miyetti Allah group to propose suitable operational days and present a clear framework to ensure the market’s smooth commencement.
In his response, the State Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Alhaji Umar Yusuf, thanked the Commissioner for the timely engagement and described the meeting as long overdue. He acknowledged that all ethnic groups have both good and bad elements, pointing out that some people benefit from kidnapping activities, which makes it challenging for law-abiding herders to provide credible information.
He noted that past security measures failed largely because key assignments were handed to individuals unfamiliar with the state’s terrain. However, he expressed hope that under Dr. Bolarin’s leadership, the long-promised land for the livestock market would finally be delivered for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Alhaji Umar proposed the recruitment of 15 trusted youths from each local government area to join local vigilantes and hunters in patrolling forests and driving out criminal elements. He also recommended that all Fulani leaders across the state be mobilized to monitor the inflow and outflow of settlers. “There should be a temporary halt to the entry of new Fulani migrants until the existing security challenges are addressed,” he said.
He further urged the Commissioner to empower the group to tackle security challenges directly, emphasizing that previous government measures had fallen short. He also called for a statewide meeting of all traditional rulers (Ados) in the 21 local government areas to strengthen collaboration towards peace and development
