Abuja: The Federal Government has identified six states for the pilot implementation of its National Ranching Policy to address recurring farmer-herder clashes and modernise livestock production in the country. Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, disclosed this after briefing President Bola Tinubu on the ministry’s activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday. He identified the states as Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Adamawa, alongside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Maiha said the pilot programme would commence at the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau as a proof of concept for the new ranching model.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the states were selected because they have recorded some of the highest incidences of farmer-herder conflicts in recent years. Maiha explained that the large numbers of cattle on the move are crisis-prone due to the disappearance of grazing routes, which have been overtaken by farming, urbanisation, and infrastructure development. He noted that the traditional nomadic lifestyle is no longer sustainable, necessitating a shift to a more modern ranching model.
Maiha revealed that the government had engaged over 34 pastoral organisations and would continue consultations to build support for the policy. The ministry recently met with pastoralist leaders under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and is planning another engagement within two weeks. The policy aims to encourage pastoralists to rear animals in designated locations, reducing the need for long-distance movement in search of feed and water.
The minister emphasized the benefits of cultivating genetically developed grasses with high nutritional value for livestock and highlighted plans to provide essential infrastructure in designated ranching communities. This includes housing, veterinary clinics, schools, primary healthcare centres, solar lighting, and water infrastructure. Each grazing reserve is expected to evolve into an economic hub, attracting investments such as milk processors, modular abattoirs, and other livestock-related businesses.
Maiha also discussed the implementation of a nationwide livestock identification programme using radio frequency technology, which will tag all four-legged livestock for identification, geolocation, and proof of ownership. This initiative aims to combat cattle rustling, recover lost animals, and create a comprehensive national livestock database.
The minister stated that the government is promoting dairy development, commercial fodder cultivation, modern abattoirs, veterinary services, and poultry production. Seven model veterinary clinics have been established, with plans to provide at least one model veterinary hospital in every state. The government is also strengthening vaccine storage facilities and encouraging investments in the dairy and red meat value chains.
On the ministry’s progress, Maiha noted that about 20 states have established similar livestock ministries or agencies, reflecting growing acceptance of the Federal Government’s livestock development agenda. He commended President Tinubu for his support and commitment to transforming the livestock sector, quoting him as saying, ‘The value chains in the livestock sector are fantastic,’ while urging Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities across the industry.