The Katsina State Government has refuted media reports suggesting that it spent N5.7 billion on purchasing 40,000 goats as part of its newly launched goat rearing initiative. Yusuf Suleiman Jibia, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Production and Grazing, clarified to the media that the N5.7 billion is the total budget allocated for the entire project, which includes multiple components, not just the purchase of goats.

Jibia explained that the goat rearing initiative was introduced by the governor to improve the economic well-being of the people, with a focus on enhancing goat farming. He further detailed that the initiative is managed by the Department of Livestock and Grazing and consists of two main parts. The N5.7 billion budget is intended to cover all aspects of the project, and any unspent funds would be returned to the treasury.

Governor Radda emphasized that the initiative aims to empower local goat farmers, providing them with starter packs and essential resources. He noted that the project is part of the state’s strategy to boost livestock production, which would meet domestic demand for hygienic meat and potentially create export opportunities. Additionally, the program is expected to create jobs and promote economic diversification in rural areas, fostering entrepreneurship and improving livestock farming.

The initiative also focuses on empowering local farmers, particularly women, who have been trained and supported to successfully rear goats. Dr. Kamaladdeen Kabir, the State Coordinator for the Community Development Programme, reported that since the program’s launch two months ago, 132,009 individuals across the state have been empowered through its efforts.