The federal government has urged pastoralists across the country to adopt sedentary livestock production to improve breeds, pasture development and livestock management.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, made the call during an interactive session with the Miyetti-Allah Fulaku Yeso Yeso Development Association (MAFYDA) on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Maiha identified sedentarisation and modernisation of livestock production as key priorities of the ministry in reforming the livestock sector.

He, however, frowned at the continued migration of livestock in search of pasture and water, describing the practice as no longer feasible or profitable.

According to him, population growth, the expansion of crop cultivation and climate change have made open grazing increasingly difficult.

“Natural grasslands are no longer readily available and animals are highly malnourished in many parts of the country.

“Adoption of sedentary livestock production is essential and must be embraced by pastoralists,” he said.

The minister disclosed that the federal government planned to develop 417 grazing reserves nationwide to encourage pastoralists to settle and adopt modern livestock production practices.

He urged pastoralist organisations to sensitise their members on the need to embrace reforms in the sector, including pasture cultivation, breed improvement, animal identification and ranching.

Mr Maiha described ranching as a system of livestock production carried out within a defined land area, adding that its adoption would help promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

“Pastoralists can acquire land within grazing reserves for ranching purposes. These can be individual or community ranches where livestock production takes place within designated grazing areas.

“The ministry is currently working with state governments to develop grazing reserves with adequate feed, veterinary services and water supply,” he said.

Mr Maiha said his ministry was created by Bola Tinubu in July 2024 to drive innovation, sustainable growth and private sector participation in the livestock industry.

According to him, the ministry is focused on transforming traditional livestock management practices, improving productivity and moving the sector from the informal to the formal economy.

“The goal is to ensure the sector contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), creates jobs for millions of youths and produces enough meat, dairy and other animal products for domestic and export markets,” he said.

He added that the ministry’s strategy was aimed at building a resilient, sustainable and inclusive livestock sector through policies that improve access to finance, markets and modern technologies.

Earlier, the National President of MAFYDA, Abubakar Suleiman, said the association was committed to preserving Fulani cultural values and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.

He was represented by the association’s National General Secretary, Moh’d Dodo.

Mr Suleiman called for the establishment of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Fulani Matters.

He also appealed for government support for the creation of modern grazing reserves, youth employment and the expansion of the livestock value chain.

According to him, improved grazing facilities would reduce the movement of livestock and help minimise farmer-herder conflicts.

He further sought structured engagement with security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), State Security Service (SSS), the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force.

He said such collaboration would strengthen early warning systems, conflict prevention, peacebuilding and the protection of rural livelihoods.

Mr Suleiman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to peace, national unity and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians. 

(NAN)