Federal Government selects five states and FCT for pilot ranching program

Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, announced this after briefing President Bola Tinubu. The program will begin at the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau as a proof of concept. The selected areas, which include Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Adamawa, and the FCT, were chosen due to high incidences of farmer-herder conflicts.

Maiha stated that traditional nomadism is no longer sustainable, citing the disappearance of grazing routes due to farming, urbanization, and infrastructure development. The government has engaged over 34 pastoral organizations and plans further consultations to build support for the policy. The policy aims to encourage pastoralists to raise animals in designated locations, eliminating the need for long-distance movement in search of feed and water.

The government intends to provide housing, veterinary clinics, schools, primary healthcare centers, solar lighting, and water infrastructure in these ranching communities. Each grazing reserve is expected to evolve into an economic hub, attracting milk processors, modular abattoirs, and other livestock-related businesses. Additionally, the Federal Government is implementing a nationwide livestock identification program using radio frequency technology to combat cattle rustling, recover lost animals, and build a comprehensive national livestock database.