Paragraph 1: The Call for National Legislation Against Open Grazing
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has strongly advocated for federal legislation prohibiting open grazing across Nigeria. During the Benue Livestock Summit 2025 held in Makurdi, Governor Alia emphasized the global acceptance of ranching as the most sustainable approach to animal husbandry. He called upon the Minister of Livestock Development to spearhead the legislative process, urging the adoption of ranching nationwide. The governor believes this move is crucial to modernizing livestock practices and mitigating the conflicts frequently arising from open grazing.
Paragraph 2: Benue State’s Commitment to Ranching and Livestock Development
Governor Alia reiterated the Benue State government’s unwavering commitment to the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, as amended. This law serves as the cornerstone of the state’s efforts to transform its livestock sector. The governor also stressed the importance of incorporating Benue State into the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project, a move aimed at bolstering the state’s livestock infrastructure and creating a more conducive environment for livestock farming. This commitment signals a dedicated effort to enhance livestock productivity and create a more sustainable and peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
Paragraph 3: Revitalizing Benue’s Livestock Sector: A Shift in Focus
Governor Alia lamented the historical neglect of livestock development in Benue State, where agriculture has predominantly centered around crop production. This oversight, he argued, has stifled investment and awareness of the sector’s vast potential to generate wealth, enhance food security, and contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He highlighted the summit as a pivotal moment for forging strategic partnerships between Benue State, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and international livestock stakeholders, paving the way for a more robust and vibrant livestock sector in the state.
Paragraph 4: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Livestock Transformation
The governor outlined a comprehensive strategy to revitalize Benue’s livestock industry. This includes attracting foreign direct investment, particularly in the pig industry, which holds immense potential given the state’s existing advantages. Furthermore, the administration is actively expanding arable land and cultivating crops suitable for livestock feed production, ensuring a readily available and sustainable source of nutrition for animals. He underscored the significance of the summit in enriching these ongoing efforts and anticipates the development of a roadmap for ranch establishment.
Paragraph 5: Infrastructure Development and Capacity Building for Sustainable Growth
Recognizing the importance of infrastructure and skilled manpower in driving livestock development, Governor Alia announced ambitious plans to establish ten feed mills and ten hatcheries in each of the state’s senatorial districts. This strategic move aims to decentralize access to essential resources for livestock farmers. Additionally, the government will establish nine agricultural training centers dedicated to equipping extension workers with the necessary skills to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that farmers benefit from the latest advancements in livestock management.
Paragraph 6: The Vision for a Thriving Livestock Sector
Governor Alia expressed his hope that the summit would yield practical solutions, including a clear roadmap for establishing model ranches in collaboration with farmers and the private sector. By operationalizing ranches and empowering farmers to move beyond subsistence livestock rearing, the state aims to unlock the sector’s full potential. He believes that a revitalized livestock sector will not only enhance food security but also create wealth and diverse value-chain opportunities, positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global livestock market. The governor’s vision underscores the transformative power of a well-managed livestock sector in driving economic growth and improving the livelihoods of citizens. He commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, recognizing it as a significant step towards prioritizing and strengthening the sector.
