Borno State Partners Dar Al Halal, FAO to Boost Livestock Development

The Director General of the Borno State Livestock Management Agency (BOLMA), Dr. Bukar Usman, has reaffirmed Governor Babagana Zulum’s unwavering commitment to transforming the livestock sector as a driver of economic growth and employment in the state.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the Mafa Ruga Resettlement alongside livestock experts from Dar Al Halal Business Group, Dr. Usman explained that the governor’s passion for livestock development inspired the creation of BOLMA and the launch of three major projects in Mafa, Gubio, and Askira.

“These initiatives are designed to unlock the livestock value chain, empower unemployed youths and women, and strengthen rural economies,” Usman stated, while noting that the state is seeking collaboration with Dar Al Halal in upgrading facilities such as the abattoir, dairy plant, and fish market.

Chairman of BOLMA, Alhaji Mohammed Dili, described the visit as a milestone in building partnerships with global stakeholders. Representatives of Dar Al Halal and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) pledged technical support through research, feasibility studies, and advisory services.

The FAO representative from Pretoria, South Africa, Dr. Babagana Ahmodu, commended Governor Zulum’s initiatives in meat, milk, hides, and skins production, stressing Borno’s potential to anchor Nigeria’s leather industry. Similarly, the Executive Director of Dar Al Halal, Dr. Abdulmutallib Dikko, hailed Borno’s Ruga settlements as “world-class” and unmatched in readiness and potential across Nigeria.

During the visit, the delegation inspected key facilities, including the Ruga Primary Health Care Centre, veterinary clinic, feed mill, silage bunker, milk parlour, irrigated pasture, and a 40-hectare rain-fed farmland. The team also visited the central poultry farm along Gamboru-Ngala road, which houses up to 25,000 layers, as well as the Galtimari fish hatchery complex, the Borno Dairy Plant, ADC Construction Cattle Farm, and the newly built international fish market along Monguno road.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock and Ruga Coordinator, Hon. Tijjani Goni Mohammed, facilitated a technical session with ward heads and staff, presenting detailed charts and maps on the structure of the resettlements.

The delegation concluded by expressing optimism that Borno’s livestock sector could become a national model for food security, job creation, and industrial growth through leather, dairy, and fish value chains.