The Federal Government has selected five states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the pilot implementation of its National Ranching Policy, as part of efforts to address farmer-herder conflicts and modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this after briefing President Bola Tinubu on the activities of his ministry at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The selected states are Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Adamawa, alongside the FCT. The pilot programme will commence at the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau State, which the government plans to use as a proof of concept for the new ranching model.
Maiha explained that the areas were selected because they have experienced some of the highest incidences of farmer-herder conflicts in recent years. He argued that the movement of large numbers of cattle has become increasingly difficult as traditional grazing routes disappear because of farming, urbanisation and infrastructure development.
According to the minister, the new policy will encourage pastoralists to keep their livestock in designated locations rather than move long distances in search of pasture and water.
Under the programme, the government plans to provide ranching communities with housing, veterinary clinics, schools, primary healthcare centres, solar lighting and water infrastructure. Grazing reserves are also expected to develop into economic hubs capable of attracting milk processors, modern abattoirs, bio-digesters and other livestock-related businesses.
The Federal Government is also implementing a nationwide livestock identification programme using radio-frequency technology. The initiative will involve tagging livestock to establish ownership and location, while helping to combat cattle rustling and facilitate the recovery of missing animals.
Maiha said the government had already engaged more than 34 pastoral organisations and would continue consultations with stakeholders to build support for the ranching policy.
The ranching initiative is part of the administration’s broader efforts to improve livestock productivity, strengthen the dairy and red-meat value chains and reduce conflicts between farmers and herders.
