The Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF has reached a consensus on the need for the country to switch into modern systems of animal husbandry that will replace open, night and underage grazing in the country.

Chairman of the forum and Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi stated this at the 25th teleconference meeting with his colleagues.

The consensus, according to Dr Kayode Fayemi, was reached following an update from Governors on the various initiatives taken by State governments to address the rising insecurity in the country due to the activities of herdsmen,

The forum, therefore, encouraged State governments to put in place systems that will accelerate the grazing initiative of the National Livestock Transformation Plan and ranching in the country.

Dr Fayemi further said that the forum will inaugurate an advisory group of experts that will guide and support states on the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.

He explained that the Forum is also engaging the National Primary Health Care Development Agency to ensure that vaccines are administered equitably, first to workers who are on the frontlines of the pandemic.

The governors also deliberated on the underutilization of fiscal facilities in the country including the Universal Basic Education Fund, the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the Saving One Million Lives programme for results which are meant to expand the size and scope of resources that are spent on health and education across all States of the Federation.

The forum recognizes that the timely implementation of these facilities in line with the financing plans of States was vital to ensure prudent expenditure and sustainability for projects on primary health care and basic education, especially during this period of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the Saving One Million Lives Performance for results project, the Chairman announced that the Federal Ministry of Health, the Commissioners for Health Forum and the World Bank have resolved to distribute the outstanding funds under the Disbursement Linked Indicators amongst the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

Nehemiah Anini