The Federal Government has selected Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Adamawa states, alongside the Federal Capital Territory for the pilot implementation of its National Ranching Policy.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, disclosed this after briefing President Bola Tinubu on the ministry’s activities at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He said the pilot programme would begin at the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau State as a proof of concept for the government’s new ranching model.
Maiha said the selected areas had recorded some of the highest incidences of farmer-herder conflicts in recent years, making them suitable for testing the policy.
He explained that the movement of large numbers of cattle had become increasingly prone to conflict as grazing routes disappeared.
“Our understanding is that large numbers of cattle on the move are crisis-prone because grazing routes have disappeared due to farming, urbanization and infrastructure development. “Nomadism, as we know it, is no longer sustainable and we need a different concept,” he said.
The minister said the government had engaged more than 34 pastoral organizations and would continue consultations to build support for the policy.
He said the ministry recently met pastoralist leaders under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and would hold another engagement within two weeks.
According to Maiha, the policy would encourage pastoralists to rear livestock in designated locations rather than move them over long distances in search of feed and water.
“Today, we go and fetch the grass and bring it where the animals are. Better still, grow the grass where the animals are. “There are genetically developed grasses with all the nutritional value required to feed livestock,” he said.
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Maiha said the government would provide housing, veterinary clinics, schools, primary healthcare centres, solar lighting and water infrastructure in designated ranching communities.
He added that each grazing reserve would be developed into an economic hub capable of attracting milk processors, modular abattoirs, biodigesters and other livestock-related businesses.
“Imagine what you are going to have if you have 30,000 herds of cattle in one area. The milk collection alone will attract processors and many other investments,” he said.
The minister said the Federal Government was also implementing a nationwide livestock identification programme using radio-frequency technology.
According to him, all four-legged livestock would be tagged for identification, geolocation and proof of ownership.
He said the initiative would help combat cattle rustling, recover lost animals and establish a comprehensive national livestock database.
Maiha said the ministry was also promoting dairy development, commercial fodder cultivation, modern abattoirs, veterinary services and poultry production.
He disclosed that seven model veterinary clinics had been established, with plans to provide at least one model veterinary hospital in every state.
The minister added that the government was strengthening vaccine storage facilities and encouraging investments in the dairy and red meat value chains.
On the ministry’s progress, Maiha said about 20 states had established livestock ministries or agencies, reflecting growing acceptance of the Federal Government’s livestock development agenda. He commended the president for his support and commitment to transforming the livestock sector.
Maiha quoted the President as saying, “The value chains in the livestock sector are fantastic,” while urging Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities across the industry.
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