Federal Government picks five states, Abuja for trial cattle ranching project

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The Federal Government has identified five states inlcuding the Federal Capital Territory for the pilot implementation of its National Ranching Policy.

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Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, disclosed this after briefing President Bola Tinubu on the ministry’s activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

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Maiha said the pilot programme would commence at the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau as a proof of concept for the new ranching model.

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He identified the six states altogether as Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Adamawa, alongside the FCT.

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According to him, the areas were selected because they have recorded some of the highest incidences of farmer-herder conflicts in recent years.

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“Our understanding is that large numbers of cattle on the move are crisis-prone because grazing routes have disappeared due to farming, urbanisation and infrastructure development.

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“Nomadism, as we know it, is no longer sustainable and we need a different concept,” he said.

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Maiha said the government had engaged more than 34 pastoral organisations and would continue consultations to build support for the policy.

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He said the ministry recently met pastoralist leaders under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and would hold another engagement within two weeks.

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The minister said the policy would encourage pastoralists to rear animals in designated locations rather than move them over long distances in search of feed and water.

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“Today, we go and fetch the grass and bring it where the animals are. Better still, grow the grass where the animals are.

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“There are genetically developed grasses with all the nutritional value required to feed livestock,” he said.

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Maiha said the government would provide housing, veterinary clinics, schools, primary healthcare centres, solar lighting and water infrastructure in designated ranching communities.

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He added that each grazing reserve would evolve into an economic hub capable of attracting milk processors, modular abattoirs, bio-digesters and other livestock-related businesses.

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“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.

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The minister said the Federal Government was also implementing a nationwide livestock identification programme using radio frequency technology.

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According to him, all four-legged livestock would be tagged for identification, geolocation and proof of ownership.

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He said the initiative would help combat cattle rustling, recover lost animals and build a comprehensive national livestock database.

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Maiha said the ministry was also promoting dairy development, commercial fodder cultivation, modern abattoirs, veterinary services and poultry production.

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He disclosed that seven model veterinary clinics had been established, with plans to provide at least one model veterinary hospital in every state.

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The minister added that the government was strengthening vaccine storage facilities and encouraging investments in dairy and red meat value chains.

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On the ministry’s progress, Maiha said about 20 states had established similar livestock ministries or agencies, reflecting growing acceptance of the Federal Government’s livestock development agenda.

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He commended Tinubu for his support and commitment to transforming the livestock sector.

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He quoted the President as saying, “The value chains in the livestock sector are fantastic,” while urging Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities across the industry. NAN

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