The Nigerian government has declared modern ranching as the backbone of Nigeria’s emerging livestock economy, projecting the Ministry of Livestock Development to generate at least $74 billion within the next five years.
Minister of Livestock Development, Mallam Idi Mukhtar Maiha disclosed this during the 1st National Council on Livestock Development held in Yola, Adamawa State.
He revealed that more than $14 billion has already been realised under the ongoing Presidential initiative to reposition the livestock sector.
Maiha announced the total abolition of open cattle grazing nationwide, describing the practice as ‘a major cause of violent conflicts, destruction of farmlands, and economic losses for both farmers and herders.’
“Ranching is now the officially approved system for cattle rearing in Nigeria. It is safer, more profitable, and produces healthier animals,” he said, stressing that open grazing is henceforth considered an offence.
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He emphasised that the Nigerian government is committed to transforming livestock production into Nigeria’s next major revenue source after oil and gas, with ranching serving as the foundation for a modern, industrialised livestock value chain.
The Minister was received by the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who described Adamawa as “the home of livestock.”
The Governor commended the Nigerian government for choosing the state to host the maiden council meeting.
He was represented by Deputy Governor Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Livestock, Senator Musa Mustapha, expressed confidence that the livestock sector could soon surpass oil in revenue generation, assuring that the National Assembly will support a business-driven budget for the ministry.
Also, the Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock, Mr Tasir Olawale Raji, applauded the ban on open grazing, saying the decision will end decades of avoidable clashes between herders and farmers.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, acknowledged private investors who have embraced the ranching model, citing the contributions of Dan Lawan Adamawa and Alhaji Sadiq Daware, among others.
Maiha also praised livestock producers in Adamawa for their advancements over the last twelve years, describing the state as a model for the country’s new livestock economy.