Pastoralists Rally Behind Tinubu’s Ranching Agenda as FG Unveils Livestock Reforms

"The renewed partnership between government and pastoralists is expected to play a key role in reshaping Nigeria’s livestock industry while addressing longstanding security and environmental concerns tied to traditional grazing practices."

"The endorsement by pastoralists signals growing confidence in the government’s plan to transition from subsistence animal husbandry to a more structured and productive ranching system." Maiha.

..... As the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, describes the engagement as a critical platform for dialogue, noting that it allows pastoral communities to directly interface with government on issues affecting their livelihoods.

..... As MAFYDA President, Abubakar Suleiman, hail the creation of the Ministry as a historic milestone and called for strategic collaboration on ranch development, livestock modernisation, and youth employment within the sector.

Nigeria’s livestock sector may be on the cusp of a major transformation as pastoralists throw their weight behind the Federal Government’s push for a modern ranching system under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

This follows a high-level engagement in Abuja between the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Miyetti Allah Fulako Yeso Yeso Development Association (MAFYDA), where the group pledged support for the proposed national ranching policy and broader livestock reforms.

Speaking after the meeting, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the endorsement by pastoralists signals growing confidence in the government’s plan to transition from subsistence animal husbandry to a more structured and productive ranching system.

According to him, the administration is prioritising the rehabilitation of grazing reserves, expansion of pasture cultivation, and improved animal health systems, alongside introducing modern livestock production methods aimed at boosting productivity and curbing conflicts linked to open grazing.

In a major policy move, the Minister disclosed that the government would roll out a pilot artificial insemination programme targeting between 1,000 and 3,000 animals nationwide. The initiative, he explained, is designed to enhance local breeds and lay the foundation for long-term genetic improvement in the livestock sector.

Maiha further revealed plans to distribute pasture seeds to pastoralists this year to encourage feed production, with the goal of significantly reducing the movement of livestock in search of fodder by the next dry season.

Earlier, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, described the engagement as a critical platform for dialogue, noting that it allows pastoral communities to directly interface with government on issues affecting their livelihoods. She commended the association for its commitment to peacebuilding.

Also speaking, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Samuel Anzaku, announced the resumption of annual nationwide livestock vaccination campaigns against diseases such as CBPP, PPR, anthrax, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease. He assured that veterinary services would be extended to remote pastoral communities.

On behalf of the pastoralists, MAFYDA President, Abubakar Suleiman, hailed the creation of the Ministry as a historic milestone and called for strategic collaboration on ranch development, livestock modernisation, and youth employment within the sector.

The renewed partnership between government and pastoralists is expected to play a key role in reshaping Nigeria’s livestock industry while addressing longstanding security and environmental concerns tied to traditional grazing practices.