Livestock Minister Backs Ranching as Sustainable Production Model

"The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development would partner with Manchong Integrated Farms on feed and fodder seed production as well as genetic improvement." Maiha 

.... Says, "with the farm already supplying fodder to states such as Jigawa and Yobe, the model could scale into a national fodder supermarket enabling small-scale livestock owners to order feed remotely."

Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Nigeria's Minister, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has described ranching as a viable, scalable and already existing component of Nigeria’s livestock ecosystem. This is as he led a delegation on an inspection tour of Manchong Integrated Farms Limited in Nasarawa State. 

In a speech delivered after a tour of the expansive farm on Thursday 19th December, 2025, Maiha expressed satisfaction with what he described as a practical demonstration of modern livestock production, feed and fodder development, and genetic resource management. He noted that despite the dry season, the farm boasts of lush green pastures supported by a natural stream for irrigation.

Mukhtar described the facility as a clear proof of concept for ranching, explaining that it entails confining animals within a defined space with adequate feed, water and management. He noted that despite the season, the farm sustained lush Mombasa, Napier and Brachiaria grasses, housed over 300 cattle across major beef and dairy breeds, and produced surplus feed annually.

He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development would partner with Manchong Integrated Farms on feed and fodder seed production as well as genetic improvement, noting that with the farm already supplying fodder to states such as Jigawa and Yobe, the model could scale into a national fodder supermarket enabling small-scale livestock owners to order feed remotely.

On genetic improvement, the Minister said the farm would serve as a pilot centre for breeding programmes, adding that "For most of the genetic materials we intend to introduce into the country, we will first work with this farm to produce offsprings that can then be multiplied and propagated across Nigeria. This makes the farm a lighthouse and a pilot that has demonstrated beyond doubt that this can be done,” he stated.

Earlier, the owner of the farm, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, commended the Minister for his hands-on approach and willingness to engage directly with farmers on the field rather than limiting policy discussions to conference halls. He explained that the farm was established to demonstrate the feasibility of ranching as a solution to recurring farmer–herder conflicts, particularly in northern Nigeria.

“We wanted to show our people that ranching is not a far-fetched idea. It is doable. If we replicate this model across Nigeria, we can address insecurity, promote peace and unlock massive economic opportunities,” he added.

Dogara further highlighted the enormous economic potential of the livestock sector, noting that the global dairy and beef market alone is valued at about $2.5 trillion, with northern Nigeria holding over 70 per cent of the nation’s livestock population.

“Even if Nigeria captures just five to ten per cent of this market, that is about $25 billion annually. The potential is huge, but we must move from talk to investment,” he said.

Also speaking, a livestock business partner to the Botswana Embassy in Abuja, Clinton Agbo, described Manchong Integrated Farms as an excellent centre suitable for international collaboration.

“This is my second visit here, including one with the Botswana High Commissioner. We see this farm as an ideal place to commence a pilot scheme. The High Commissioner views this as a Pan-African effort where Botswana can support and Nigerians can lead, for the benefit of Africa,” he said. 

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head, Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development Abuja.