The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to the resuscitation of the Bobi Grazing Reserve in Minna, Niger State.
The minister of livestock development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this pledge yesterday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Niger State government led by the permanent secretary of the State Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.
During the meeting, the minister expressed concern over the challenges faced by investors in the Bobi Grazing Reserve, acknowledging the substantial investments made by the Niger State government, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and five development partners – WAMCO Nigeria Plc, CHI Limited, Hail Consortium, Neon Dairies, and Irish Dairies.
He lamented the inability to operationalise the project fully due to security challenges, noting the enormous potential for job creation, pasture production, and other value chain opportunities, such as organic fertilizer production and irrigation, that have been temporarily halted.
To address these issues, Maiha requested the Niger State government to establish a technical committee tasked with developing recommendations necessary for the resuscitation of the reserve.
He assured that the federal government would actively participate by nominating representatives to work collaboratively with the committee.
“It is disheartening that Nigeria spends over $1. 5 billion annually, importing beef and dairy products, which we can easily produce domestically. Reviving projects like the Bobi Grazing Reserve is critical to reversing this trend and boosting our local livestock industry,” the minister stated.
While commending the resilience of the Niger State government and investors in the Bobi Grazing Reserve, Maiha noted that the setbacks were only temporary and can be overcome through a committed and unified approach.
He further called for robust and modern security architecture, such as a standing force, electronic surveillance, and drone technology, to ensure sustainable operations and prevent further losses occasioned by banditry activities.
Earlier, the permanent secretary of Niger State Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Baba Uthman who led the delegation, highlighted the massive investments made in the Bobi Grazing Reserve.
He revealed that operations were disrupted due to banditry in the area.
Also speaking passionately about the project’s potential, the chief executive officer, Neon Dairy, Kenneth Ahaneku, hailed the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a “prayer answered” and expressed optimism that Bobi Grazing Reserve would be revitalised in the shortest possible time.
“Niger State boasts over 23 grazing reserves, with nine fully gazette. The revival of the Bobi Grazing Reserve is expected to serve as a model for harnessing the livestock value chain as well as contribute significantly to the nation’s food security and economic growth initiative of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration.”
