By Barbara Nwaiwu
The Federal Government has selected six states for the pilot implementation of its National Ranching Policy, aimed at addressing recurring farmer-herder clashes and modernising livestock production.
Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, disclosed this on Tuesday after briefing President Bola Tinubu on the ministry’s activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Maiha identified Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Adamawa states, alongside the FCT, as the areas selected for the pilot programme because of their history of farmer-herder conflicts.
He said the pilot would commence at the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau State as a proof of concept for the new ranching model.
“Our understanding is that large numbers of cattle on the move are crisis-prone because grazing routes have disappeared due to farming, urbanisation and infrastructure development. Nomadism, as we know it, is no longer sustainable and we need a different concept,” he said.
Maiha said the Federal Government had engaged more than 34 pastoral organisations as part of consultations to build support for the policy.
He added that the ministry had recently met pastoralist leaders under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, with another engagement scheduled to take place within two weeks.
The minister said the policy would encourage pastoralists to rear livestock in designated locations instead of moving animals 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.
Under the proposed ranching model, the government plans to provide housing, veterinary clinics, schools, primary healthcare centres, solar lighting and water infrastructure in designated ranching communities.
Maiha said the grazing reserves would also be developed as economic hubs capable of attracting businesses such as milk processors, modular abattoirs, biodigesters and other livestock-related enterprises.
“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 also disclosed that the Federal Government was implementing a nationwide livestock identification programme using radio frequency technology.
According to him, four-legged livestock would be tagged to enable identification, geolocation and proof of ownership, while helping to 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 as part of efforts to strengthen the livestock value chain.
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 dairy and red meat value chains.
Maiha also said about 20 states had established livestock ministries or agencies, which he described as an indication of growing acceptance of the Federal Government’s livestock development agenda.
He commended President Tinubu for his support for the sector and quoted him as saying, “The value chains in the livestock sector are fantastic,” while urging Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities across the livestock industry.
The ranching policy therefore forms part of the Federal Government’s current approach to reducing cattle movement, addressing farmer-herder conflicts and developing livestock production through designated ranching communities and supporting infrastructure.
