The Federal Government has intensified efforts to reform Nigeria’s livestock sector with renewed advocacy for ranching and sedentary livestock production across the country.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Dr Idi Maiha, made the call on Thursday during an interactive session with members of the Miyetti-Allah Fulaku Yeso Yeso Development Association (MAFYDA) in Abuja.
Maiha said the transition from open grazing to modern livestock production had become necessary to improve animal breeds, pasture cultivation and overall livestock management.
He described sedentarisation and modernisation as central pillars of the Federal Government’s strategy for transforming the livestock industry into a more productive and sustainable sector.
The minister expressed concern over the continued migration of herders in search of pasture and water, noting that the practice was becoming increasingly unsustainable.
According to him, rising population, climate change and expansion of farming activities had drastically reduced available grazing land across the country.
“Natural grasslands are no longer readily available and animals are highly malnourished in many parts of the country.
“Adoption of sedentary livestock production is essential and must be embraced by pastoralists,” he said.
Maiha disclosed that the Federal Government planned to develop 417 grazing reserves nationwide as part of measures to encourage pastoralists to settle and adopt modern ranching practices.
He urged pastoralist groups and stakeholders in the livestock sector to sensitise their members on the importance of reforms such as pasture development, breed improvement, ranching and animal identification systems.
The minister explained that ranching involved livestock production within a designated area of land, adding that the system would help reduce clashes between farmers and herders.
“Pastoralists can acquire land within grazing reserves for ranching purposes. These can be individual or community ranches where livestock production takes place within designated grazing areas.
“The ministry is currently working with state governments to develop grazing reserves with adequate feed, veterinary services and water supply,” he said.
Maiha recalled that President Bola Tinubu established the Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 to drive innovation, sustainability and private sector participation in the industry.
According to him, the ministry is focused on formalising the livestock economy, improving productivity and creating more economic opportunities within the sector.
“The goal is to ensure the sector contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), creates jobs for millions of youths and produces enough meat, dairy and other animal products for domestic and export markets,” he said.
He further stated that government policies were aimed at building a resilient and inclusive livestock sector through improved access to financing, markets and modern technology.
Earlier, the National President of MAFYDA, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and preserving Fulani cultural heritage.
Represented by the association’s National General Secretary, Mr Moh’d Dodo, Suleiman called for the establishment of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Fulani Matters.
The association also appealed for government support in the creation of modern grazing reserves, expansion of the livestock value chain and employment opportunities for youths.
According to Dodo, improved grazing facilities would reduce the movement of livestock and minimise recurring farmer-herder conflicts in different parts of the country.
He also advocated stronger collaboration with security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force.
Dodo said such partnerships would strengthen peacebuilding efforts, conflict prevention mechanisms and protection of rural livelihoods nationwide.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to peace, national unity and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians.
