By: Lanre Shodimu
In a renewed push to strengthen food security, curb farmer-herder conflicts, and reposition Nigeria’s livestock industry for global competitiveness, the Federal Government has commenced plans to modernise livestock farming and revive 417 grazing reserves across the country. The initiative, driven through the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development, is expected to lay the foundation for a sustainable ranching system while attracting local and international investments into the sector.
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to modernise livestock farming and revive 417 grazing reserves across Nigeria as part of broader efforts to boost food security, increase dairy and meat production, and reduce persistent farmer-herder clashes.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Ajimobi revealed that rehabilitation work had already commenced at the Kawu Grazing Reserve in Abuja, describing it as a pilot project under the Federal Government’s livestock transformation agenda.
According to him, the government is currently conducting a nationwide audit of existing ranches and grazing reserves to determine those that can be upgraded before establishing new ones.
“It’s not just about teaching farmers modern ways of farming. If we teach without providing the necessary infrastructure, we are wasting our time,” he said.
“Our intention is to teach, revive the reserves we have, modernise them, and use them as a platform to begin the ranching system that the government wants. It has been successful in other countries, and it can be successful here.”
Ajimobi admitted that reviving the grazing reserves posed enormous challenges because of their vast sizes, noting that the Kawu reserve alone covers more than 10,000 hectares.
He explained that the government was already engaging private investors and international development partners to support the rehabilitation and modernisation drive.
“We have reached out to partners in the private sector and in the international community that are looking to come on board and partner with us for the revival of these projects,” he added.
The presidential aide said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to making Nigeria food secure, stressing that the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development underscored the government’s seriousness about transforming the sector.
He disclosed that President Tinubu had set a national nutritional target aimed at ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to at least one sachet of milk and an egg daily.
Ajimobi also linked insecurity in forests and farming communities to poverty and weak local support systems, insisting that tackling kidnapping and banditry requires collaboration between government and communities.
According to him, modernising livestock production and engaging local residents as part of ranger and security support structures would complement the efforts of the armed forces.
“Government has a role to play, but communities also have responsibilities. Together, we can address these challenges,” he said.
On investment inflows into the livestock industry, Ajimobi highlighted several international agreements secured by the Tinubu administration, including a $1.5 billion investment deal with JBS, regarded as the world’s largest beef processor.
He also referenced recent bilateral agreements with France on livestock and agriculture, as well as a £100 million dairy production and processing partnership signed during President Tinubu’s recent visit to the United Kingdom.
According to him, Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in importing Nigerian bovine red meat, with discussions already underway to facilitate exports.
Speaking on internal disagreements within the All Progressives Congress ahead of future elections, Ajimobi maintained that the ruling party remained united under President Tinubu’s leadership.
He acknowledged that party primaries often generate dissatisfaction but urged aggrieved members to prioritise the collective interest of the nation above personal ambition.
“Members and leaders of the APC will be able to put ambition aside for the greater good of the party and the country,” he said.
In a related development, Ajimobi called on Muslims to embrace the teachings of Prophet Mohammed by promoting peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and national unity during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
He said the season should inspire Nigerians to support one another, care for the less privileged, and strengthen communal bonds despite prevailing economic and social challenges.
Caption:
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajimobi, addressing journalists in Ibadan on the Federal Government’s plan to modernise livestock farming and revive 417 grazing reserves nationwide.
