Kogi Government Seeks Federal Support for Livestock Development, Requests N7 Billion Investment

By Abdullahi Lukman

The Kogi State Government has called on the federal government to allocate N7 billion to support the advancement of livestock production and processing in the state.

The appeal was made during a stakeholder meeting with the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee held on Saturday in Lokoja.

Governor Ahmed Ododo, represented by Deputy Governor Joel Salifu, said the state had entered into a partnership with an agricultural technology firm to drive the mechanisation of feedstock cultivation both within and beyond Kogi’s borders.

He urged the federal government and the committee to prioritise Kogi as a livestock production and processing hub, citing its central location, favourable agro-climatic conditions, and strong political will.

The governor also appealed for the inclusion of Kogi in all current and upcoming federal technical support programmes related to livestock development.

He stressed that modernising the livestock sector requires coordinated efforts at the state level, investment, and policy innovation—areas in which Kogi has shown clear commitment.

Mr Ododo reaffirmed the state’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stating that Kogi’s newly established Ministry of Livestock Development is prepared to scale up livestock production, enhance food security, create jobs, and promote inclusive economic growth.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Secretary Yahaya Kuta—representing Co-chairman Attahiru Jega—commended the Kogi State Government for taking proactive steps by setting up a dedicated livestock ministry.

He expressed the committee’s willingness to partner with the state in moving livestock reforms forward.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Olufemi Bolarin, urged the committee to give serious consideration to Kogi’s proposals and reiterated the state’s openness to foreign investment in livestock farming.