Pastoralists Commit to Tinubu’s Livestock Vision, Back National Ranching Policy

News in brief:

—Pastoralists pledged support for the Federal Government’s ranching policy and livestock transformation agenda during an engagement with the livestock ministry.

—The minister announced plans for pilot artificial insemination, pasture cultivation support, and expanded annual livestock vaccination campaigns nationwide.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector following an engagement with members of the Miyetti Allah Fulako Yeso Yeso Development Association (MAFYDA), who pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s livestock transformation agenda and the proposed national ranching policy.

Pastoralists Endorse Livestock Reform Agenda

Speaking on behalf of the president, at the end of the interactive engagement held in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated that the pastoralists' visit demonstrated growing confidence in the administration's livestock transformation plans.

According to the minister, the administration remains committed to transitioning the sector from subsistence-based animal husbandry to a modern ranching system that can improve productivity and reduce conflicts linked to open grazing.

“They have shown their willingness and commitment to align with Mr President’s vision in changing and transforming the livestock sector from its present subsistence animal husbandry system to a modern ranching system,” Mukhtar said.

FG Targets Ranching, Pasture Development

The minister explained that the Federal Government is focusing on rehabilitating grazing reserves, promoting pasture cultivation, strengthening animal health systems, and supporting pastoralists with modern livestock production techniques.

He also disclosed that the ministry would commence a pilot artificial insemination programme targeting between 1,000 and 3,000 animals nationwide as part of broader efforts to improve local livestock breeds and establish a sustainable framework for genetic improvement.

“We are actually going to start this year with insemination of about 1,000 to 3,000 animals across the country. This is just the first pilot to test run the adaptability and the proof of concept of this animal upgrade,” he said.

Mukhtar further revealed that improved pasture seeds would be procured and distributed to pastoralists to encourage fodder cultivation and reduce livestock movement during the dry season.

“We are going to procure seeds this year and distribute them to the pastoralists to start planting pasture so that by next year's dry season, very few animals will now be seen roaming the countryside in search of fodder,” he added.

Ministry Promotes Peacebuilding, Stakeholder Engagement

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, described the engagement as an opportunity for pastoralists to interact with government officials on issues affecting their livelihoods.

She commended the association for its commitment to peacebuilding, noting that peaceful coexistence remains one of the ministry’s priorities under the livestock reform agenda.

FG Expands Livestock Vaccination Campaigns

Also speaking, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Samuel Anzaku, said the ministry had resumed annual vaccination campaigns against livestock diseases such as Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), anthrax, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

He assured stakeholders that the ministry remains committed to improving animal healthcare delivery and extending veterinary services directly to livestock owners across the country.

The engagement forms part of the government's ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s livestock industry, improve productivity, strengthen food security, and reduce conflicts associated with traditional grazing systems.