The federal government has selected five states, including the Federal Capital Territory, for the first phase of the implementation of its National Ranching Policy.
Alhaji Idi Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, said this while briefing President Bola Tinubu on the ministry’s activities at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
Maiha stated that the pilot program would begin at the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau as a proof of concept for the new ranching approach.
He identified the six states as Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Adamawa, and the FCT.
According to him, the locations were chosen because they have experienced some of the greatest rates of farmer-herder conflict in recent years.
“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.
Maiha stated that the government has consulted with over 34 pastoral organizations and will continue to build support for the policy.
The ministry recently met with pastoralist leaders led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and plans to meet again within two weeks.
The policy aims to encourage pastoralists to rear animals in designated locations rather than moving them long distances.
“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.
Maiha stated that the government will provide housing, veterinary clinics, schools, primary healthcare centers, solar lighting, and water infrastructure in designated ranching communities.
Additionally, each grazing reserve will become an economic hub for milk processors, modular abattoirs, bio-digesters, and 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.
According to the minister, the federal government is also implementing a nationwide livestock identification program using radio frequency technology.
According to him, every four-legged animal will be tagged for identification, geolocation, and confirmation of ownership.
He said the program would assist in combating cattle rustling, recover missing animals, and develop a comprehensive national livestock database.
Maiha said the ministry was also fostering dairy growth, commercial fodder cultivation, sophisticated abattoirs, veterinary services, and poultry production.
He announced that seven model veterinary clinics had been constructed, with ambitions to deliver at least one model veterinary hospital in every state.
Regarding the ministry’s growth, Maiha stated that approximately 20 states had established equivalent livestock ministries or agencies, indicating increased acceptance of the federal government’s livestock development goal.
He praised Tinubu for his support and commitment to changing the livestock industry.
He quoted the president as saying, “The value chains in the livestock sector are fantastic,” while charging Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities across the industry.
