FG Partners Edo State to Transform Livestock Value Chain

News in Brief;

-Nigeria's FG and Edo State have formed a joint committee to transform the state’s livestock ecosystem and rehabilitate key ranches.

-The initiative supports job creation, infrastructure modernisation, and food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development pledged full collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Livestock Development to transform the state’s livestock ecosystem into a major hub for red meat, poultry, piggery, goats, and cattle production. This partnership aims to position Edo as a central player in Nigeria’s livestock revolution and a key contributor to the country’s ₦74 billion livestock sectoral drive before 2035.

Joint Federal-State Committee to Drive Implementation

The Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Mukhtar Maiha, announced the collaboration after receiving a presentation from the Edo State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Omorodion Ikpomwosa, in Abuja.

To fast-track the initiative, a joint committee comprising officials from both the federal and state ministries has been established. Members include Mr Golden Ugbodu, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Livestock; Dr Lucky Adebudo, the Permanent Secretary; Thomas Haruna; and Eno Otamere. The committee will be chaired by Prof. Eustace Iyayi, Special Adviser to the Minister on Feed and Fodder Development.

According to Maiha, the collaboration will also involve rehabilitating Edo’s historic cattle ranches in Igarra and Ubiaja, with an on-the-spot assessment scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

Edo Positioned as a Strategic Livestock Hub

Maiha highlighted that Edo’s geography gives it a unique advantage in connecting several markets across southern and northern Nigeria.

“This is an opportunity for the Governor and the state’s ministry to diversify its economy through livestock development, create jobs, modernise infrastructure, and build peace across Edo and neighbouring states,” the Minister said.

He added that Edo’s central location, coupled with its emerging infrastructure, makes it a potential regional hub for livestock production and trade. He praised the state governor's strategic thinking.

Alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda

The Minister expressed excitement that Edo is among the 18 states with a dedicated Ministry for Livestock Development, enabling independent decision-making and direct implementation of policies in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Maiha explained that this model ensures faster development, clearer focus, and stronger collaboration between state and federal levels.

He emphasised the importance of taking an inventory of all livestock-related facilities in Edo State, including abattoirs, cattle markets, breeding centres, and grazing reserves. “We want to know what is available, what is functional, and what needs to be rehabilitated or expanded,” he said.

Reviving Old Ranches and Developing Livestock Villages

The Minister noted that Edo’s cattle ranches, built in the 1950s and 1960s, will be assessed to determine their condition and potential for expansion. He revealed that Nigeria currently has 417 grazing reserves, and the Federal Ministry is working to rehabilitate them into permanent livestock villages where pastoralists can grow pasture, produce feed, and raise animals sustainably.

“This same approach will be extended to Edo State,” Maiha affirmed. “We want to ensure every facility is functional and that livestock producers have the infrastructure to thrive.”

Edo’s Commitment to Livestock Transformation

In his remarks, Edo State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Omorodion Ikpomwosa, said the state’s ministry was deliberately created by Governor Monday Okpebholo to align with the federal government’s renewed push for livestock transformation. He noted that Edo’s vast grazing reserves, diverse animal species, and growing livestock industry make it well-positioned to lead in southern Nigeria’s livestock value chain.

“We are eager as a state to explore opportunities for collaboration that will enhance the livelihoods of our farmers and contribute to national food security,” he said. “Our goal is to make Edo a leading hub in livestock production, processing, and value addition.”