The Federal Government has identified open grazing as a major driver of recurring farmer–herder conflicts in Nigeria, announcing the start of a nationwide rehabilitation of 417 grazing reserves as part of a comprehensive livestock sector transformation.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the announcement on Monday during the maiden meeting of the National Council on Livestock Development (NCLD) at the Government House Banquet Hall, Yola, Adamawa State.

Describing the gathering as historic and a turning point for Nigeria’s livestock future, Maiha said the Federal Government’s new strategy aims to modernize livestock production, expand economic opportunities, and promote long-term peace across communities.

Maiha emphasized that Nigeria must urgently transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems.

“The era of open grazing is unsustainable and a source of persistent conflict. Rehabilitating the 417 grazing reserves into modern Renewed Hope Livestock Villages is the only panacea for the farmer–herder conflict,” he said.

He disclosed that each rehabilitated reserve will serve as an economic hub, providing improved pastures, veterinary services, water infrastructure, schools, clinics, dairy and beef processing facilities, and renewable energy from biogas.

The minister added that state governments are expected to allocate land for pastoralists willing to adopt ranching, noting that ranching offers security, stability, and productivity for livestock communities.

Maiha also highlighted the achievements of the one-year-old Ministry of Livestock Development, anchored on the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS).

The strategy aims to expand Nigeria’s livestock industry from $32 billion to $74 billion within five years, with emphasis on genetic improvement, increased productivity, and value chain investment.

He listed key achievements, including the registration of eight new pasture species—the first in nearly 50 years, development of a national genetic resources plan, and expansion of livestock vaccine production capacity at NVRI Vom from 120 million to 850 million doses annually.

Other milestones include the establishment of Wase Livestock Village as a model for national grazing reserve rehabilitation, partnerships with global dairy giants such as Nestlé, Arla Foods, Danone, Promasidor, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, and leading indigenous companies to double milk production from 700,000 to 1.4 million metric tons annually, and provision of milk collection centres, solar-powered boreholes, cattle dips, veterinary facilities, and slaughter slabs across states under the L-PRES project.

Maiha urged states to adopt a unified national approach, warning that fragmentation would stall progress. “The challenges of the livestock sector transcend state boundaries. We must implement NL-GAS uniformly,” he said.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Hon. Tasir Olawale Raji, in his goodwill message, said the legislature is fully committed to supporting bold reforms that will reposition the livestock sector.

He warned that Nigeria’s current consumption far outweighs domestic production, pushing the country into heavy import dependence.

“Nigeria imports 65% of the milk consumed locally. Our per capita consumption, 8.7 litres of milk, 9kg of meat, and 45 eggs per year is far below global averages,” Raji stated.

He added that the National Assembly is working on new legislative instruments to modernize livestock systems, improve value addition, and attract private-sector investment.

Raji urged stakeholders to use the meeting to provide practical, implementable solutions to unlock the sector’s economic potential, expressing confidence that the NCLD would “accelerate the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, described the maiden council meeting as a defining moment in Nigeria’s livestock transformation journey.

She emphasized that the newly inaugurated NCLD will serve as the apex policy and coordination body for livestock development nationwide.

“The livestock sector is a key pillar of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This council will strengthen partnerships, align policies, and drive innovation for a modern, competitive livestock economy,” she said.

Akujobi applauded development partners, particularly Propcom, for their support and called for outcomes that will “unlock wealth-creating opportunities, improve livelihoods, and build a resilient livestock sector.”

The National Council on Livestock Development is expected to convene annually to review progress, harmonize policies, and guide the nation’s livestock transformation blueprint. (TRIBUNE)