The Federal Government is rolling out a comprehensive plan to modernise livestock farming and end the long-standing conflicts between farming and herding communities. For years, clashes linked to land use, dwindling pasture, and open grazing have fuelled violence across key agricultural regions, weakening food production and displacing thousands.
Speaking in Lokoja through the Minister of Information, the President said the new approach will transform livestock production from an unstructured system into a fully modern, productive, and peaceful sector. The programme will prioritise large-scale ranching schemes, improved animal husbandry practices, and integrate the livestock value chain into the national economy. According to him, the goal is to turn conflict-prone zones into centres of prosperity, job creation, and food security while restoring harmony between herders and farmers.
The government is also strengthening the security architecture to support this reform. Plans are underway to expand the capacity of the armed forces and intelligence agencies while advancing the framework for State Police to deliver community-sensitive security. The President added that social investment programmes are being scaled up to protect vulnerable citizens, support small and medium enterprises, and equip young Nigerians with globally competitive skills. At the same time, infrastructure upgrades across road, rail, and power networks are being accelerated to stimulate markets and industrial growth nationwide. The President also highlighted ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at countering false narratives that distort Nigeria’s religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Farmer–herder clashes, particularly in the Middle Belt, have worsened over disputes about land and pasture as desertification and drought continue to push pastoralist movements southward. These conflicts have caused major casualties, economic damage, and food supply disruptions. Over the years, attempts to resolve the crisis have included the suspended 2019 RUGA initiative and more recent proposals combining ranching with regulated open grazing.
In March 2025, the government announced a partnership with Brazilian firm JBJ Brazil to develop a 100,000-hectare cattle ranch in Niger State, capable of accommodating 100,000 bulls. With the state allocating 1.2 million hectares for livestock development, the project is expected to leverage local water resources and favourable weather conditions to reduce tensions and build a more productive livestock economy.
For Africa’s small businesses, particularly those in agriculture, food processing, logistics, and retail, a modernised livestock system could stabilise supply chains, reduce insecurity-related losses, and create new opportunities in feed production, veterinary services, equipment supply, and value-added processing. Improved peace and structured ranching are also expected to strengthen rural markets and attract more investment into the broader agribusiness sector.
