The Federal Government has selected Adamawa, Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and Kaduna states, alongside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for the pilot implementation of its National Ranching Policy.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, disclosed this after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the ministry’s activities at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Maiha said the pilot programme would begin at the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau State, which will serve as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s new ranching model.
According to the Minister, the selected locations were chosen because they have recorded significant farmer herder conflicts, while the government seeks to address the challenges associated with open grazing and long distance movement of cattle.
Maiha said the policy would encourage livestock owners to rear their animals in designated locations, where feed and water would be made available, instead of moving cattle across long distances.
He explained that the government plans to provide ranching communities with housing, veterinary clinics, schools, primary healthcare centres, water facilities and solar lighting.
The Minister added that the grazing reserves are expected to develop into economic hubs that could attract milk processing companies, modern abattoirs, bio digesters and other livestock related businesses.
He said the Federal Government had also commenced consultations with pastoralist organisations to secure broad support for the ranching policy.
Maiha disclosed that the government was implementing a nationwide livestock identification system using radio frequency technology to tag animals for identification, geolocation and proof of ownership.
He said the initiative would help tackle cattle rustling, facilitate the recovery of lost animals and create a comprehensive national livestock database.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to develop the dairy, red meat, poultry and veterinary sectors, including the establishment of model veterinary clinics across the country.
For Adamawa State, inclusion in the pilot programme is expected to create opportunities for modern livestock production, improved pastoral livelihoods, investment in livestock value chains and stronger mechanisms for addressing farmer herder conflicts.
The Federal Government said the ranching policy is part of its broader strategy to modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector, improve food security and unlock the economic potential of the livestock value chain.
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