Borno to tap livestock potential to raise revenue profile
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umar Zulum, has directed his cabinet to work focus energy on generating revenue from livestock production and export, as a way out of over reliance on federal allocations.
The governor gave the directive on Tuesday after the swearing-in of two new commissioners.
Zulum noted that with proper investment in livestock, the state’s revenue generation capacity would improve while gradually easing out of the current dependence on monthly federal allocation.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Governor Zulum noted that with the rich pastoral heritage of the state, Borno can be a key player in the national and international beef market.
“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 said.
The governor announced the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock with the state deputy governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, 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.” governor Zulum said.
The Syndicate reports that the new commissioners, Alhaji Umar Lawan Dalorima and Architect Isa Ali Haladu, replaced the late commissioners of Finance, Ahmed Ali, and that of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement, Engr Ibrahim Idriss.
