Tinubu moves to overhaul livestock sector amid escalating farmer–herder clashes
President Bola Tinubu has announced that the Federal Government will modernise livestock farming as part of efforts to reduce tensions between farming and herding communities.
For years, authorities have linked violent attacks across agricultural regions to clashes between farmers and herders, making the sector a persistent source of insecurity.
The announcement was made in a statement on Sunday by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation.
Speaking on behalf of the President at the memorial of former Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, in Lokoja, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said the initiative aims to transform livestock production into a structured, productive sector that creates jobs, improves food security, and promotes peaceful coexistence.
He said the programme will focus on large-scale ranching schemes, improved animal husbandry practices, and integrating the livestock value chain into the national economy—turning historically conflict-prone areas into centres of economic growth.
“We are launching a comprehensive initiative to modernise the livestock industry. This includes the creation of large-scale ranching schemes, improved animal husbandry, and the integration of the livestock value chain into our national economy.
“Our goal is to transform this critical sector from a source of tension into a bastion of prosperity, creating jobs, ensuring food security, and fostering lasting peace between our farming and herding communities,” he said.
Farmer–herder conflicts, especially in the Middle Belt, have intensified over land and pasture, resulting in casualties, displacement, and losses running into billions of naira.
Climate change factors—including drought and desertification in the north—have pushed many pastoralist groups southward, heightening competition with sedentary farmers and straining food production.
Previous attempts to address the crisis include the 2019 RUGA initiative, which sought to reduce conflicts and boost livestock production but was withdrawn after public backlash over perceived religious and political motives.
In September 2024, the Presidential Committee on the Implementation of Livestock Reforms recommended a combined model of ranching and regulated open grazing as the most feasible long-term solution.
As part of its renewed approach, the Federal Government announced in March 2025 a partnership with Brazilian firm JBJ Brazil to establish a 100,000-hectare cattle ranch in Niger State, designed to accommodate up to 100,000 bulls.
The state government also pledged 1.2 million hectares to support livestock development, leveraging its water resources and favourable climate to turn conflict-prone areas into productive hubs.
