The Nigerian government is ramping up efforts to resolve persistent clashes between farmers and herders by transitioning away from traditional open grazing. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, announced that the administration plans to rehabilitate 417 existing grazing reserves and establish modern ranching settlements. This initiative is currently prioritizing six locations frequently affected by violence: Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Maiha explained that nomadic cattle movement is no longer viable due to urban expansion, land demand for infrastructure, and disappearing grazing routes. A pilot ranching project is already underway in Plateau State, serving as a model for future livestock production. The government intends to transform these reserves into economic hubs featuring essential infrastructure, including solar power, schools, healthcare facilities, veterinary clinics, and dams for irrigation.
The strategy also involves technological interventions, such as radio frequency identification for tracking livestock, which will assist in establishing a national database and curbing cattle rustling. Furthermore, the ministry is engaging with pastoralist groups and traditional leaders to encourage the shift toward sedentary ranching. By focusing on breed improvement and commercial fodder cultivation, the government aims to increase livestock productivity while reducing the need for long-distance migration. Additional plans include developing cold-chain storage for vaccines and supporting private investment in dairy and poultry sectors to make the industry globally competitive.
