Katsina to stop live animal exports — Radda

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda is set to implement a policy to stop the export of live animals in their raw form. The state aims to shift its focus towards local meat processing, a move intended to generate employment opportunities, increase income for livestock farmers, and strengthen the regional economy. Governor Radda announced this initiative at the North-West Agriculture and Livestock Stakeholders’ Symposium in Katsina. He emphasized that this policy is part of a larger strategy to transform agriculture and livestock development into key drivers of economic growth and poverty reduction throughout Katsina and the broader North-west region. "We are committed to ending the practice of exporting livestock in raw form. Our focus is to process meat locally, create jobs for our young people, strengthen the local economy, and improve the earnings of livestock farmers through value addition," Radda stated. To support this transition, Katsina is constructing a modern slaughterhouse designed to enhance meat processing standards, hygiene, and overall value addition within the livestock sector. The governor highlighted agriculture and livestock as crucial for food security and economic development, noting that improving agricultural productivity is essential for poverty reduction in the North-West. He acknowledged challenges such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, and limited access to finance, but assured that the government is addressing these through market upgrades, development initiatives, and partnerships. The state's agricultural empowerment program is currently active in all 361 wards, with a particular focus on women and small-scale farmers. Additionally, a goat breeding center is being established and will expand into a livestock development hub, complemented by seven veterinary clinics to improve animal healthcare.

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We are committed to ending the practice of exporting livestock in raw form. Our focus is to process meat locally, create jobs for our young people, strengthen the local economy, and improve the earnings of livestock farmers through value addition.