The Federal Government has launched the pilot phase of its National Livestock Transformation Programme in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, signaling a new drive to reposition Nigeria’s livestock industry while creating employment opportunities for rural communities.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Maiha, inaugurated the programme on Thursday at the Wase Grazing Reserve, where he outlined the Federal Government’s plan to establish a fully integrated livestock value chain under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to the minister, the initiative is designed not only to settle nomadic herders in a stable, resource-rich environment but also to transform livestock management into a modern, economically viable industry. He said the government would construct mass housing for herders, build earth dams for pasture irrigation, and equip veterinary and primary healthcare clinics to cater to both animals and herding families.
“This is the beginning of a transformation that will bring stability to the livestock industry, ensure food security, and provide sustainable livelihoods,” Maiha said. “Our goal is to make this reserve a self-sufficient ecosystem that herders won’t need to migrate from.”
He noted that the infrastructure, including housing and healthcare, would be fully solar-powered to ensure sustainability and reduce climate-related impacts.
In preparation for the rollout, the minister held meetings with key stakeholders including the Plateau State Governor, the Gbong Gwom Jos, and the Emir of Wase, to gain local support and ensure inclusive participation.
Highlighting the economic prospects of the project, Maiha said the Wase Grazing Reserve, which spans about 100 hectares and can accommodate over 20,000 cattle, would become a hub for agribusiness. He projected that milk processing companies, meat processing plants, and related enterprises would set up operations in the area.
“We foresee the rise of milk and red meat processing industries, cold storage facilities, and the use of animal waste for electricity and organic fertilizer. This programme is an economic catalyst,” he said.
The initiative also includes plans for internal road networks to improve accessibility within the reserve.
Dr. Sunday Akpa, Plateau State’s Commissioner for Livestock Development, Veterinary Services and Fisheries, praised the project as timely and strategic. He pledged the state government’s full support in ensuring its successful implementation, saying it aligns with Plateau’s vision to modernize and grow its livestock industry.
The launch marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s bid to address longstanding herder-farmer conflicts, promote settled livestock production, and unlock the untapped economic potential of the livestock sector in Nigeria.
