Ranching Central To FG Livestock Strategy As Minister Inspects Model Farm In Nasarawa

The Federal Government has reiterated that ranching remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s long-term livestock development strategy, as the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, undertook an inspection tour of Manchong Integrated Farms Limited in Nasarawa State.

Leading a delegation of senior ministry officials and key stakeholders to the expansive facility on Thursday, December 19, 2025, the Minister described the farm as a clear demonstration that modern, well-managed ranching is practical, scalable and sustainable within Nigeria’s ecological conditions.

Maiha said the operation showcased an integrated approach to livestock production, combining efficient animal husbandry, year-round feed and fodder cultivation, water management and genetic resource development. He noted that despite the ongoing dry season, the farm maintained lush green pastures through natural irrigation, challenging long-standing assumptions about the limitations of ranching in the country.

“What we have seen here is a proof of concept,” the Minister said. “Ranching simply means managing livestock within a defined space with adequate feed, water and proper care. This farm has shown that it works in Nigeria and can be expanded across the country.”

He explained that Manchong Integrated Farms sustains high-quality Mombasa, Napier and Brachiaria grasses, houses over 300 cattle across major beef and dairy breeds, and produces surplus feed annually. Based on these outcomes, Maiha disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development would partner with the farm on feed and fodder seed production, as well as on genetic improvement programmes.

According to him, the farm’s existing supply of fodder to states such as Jigawa and Yobe provides a strong foundation for scaling the initiative nationally.

“Our goal is to develop a national feed system where small-scale livestock owners can access quality fodder regardless of location. This will improve productivity, reduce losses and stabilise the livestock value chain,” he said.

On genetic development, the Minister announced that the facility would serve as a pilot centre for planned breeding programmes under the ministry’s reform agenda.

“For most of the genetic materials we intend to introduce into Nigeria, we will first work with this farm to produce offsprings that can be multiplied and distributed nationwide. This makes the farm a pilot and a reference point for what is achievable,” he stated.

Earlier, the owner of Manchong Integrated Farms, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, commended the Minister for adopting a practical, field-based approach to policymaking. He said the farm was established to demonstrate ranching as a realistic solution to persistent farmer–herder conflicts, particularly in northern Nigeria.

“We wanted to show that ranching is not an abstract idea. It is achievable and beneficial. Replicating this model can reduce insecurity, promote peaceful coexistence and unlock significant economic opportunities,” Dogara said.

He also highlighted the economic potential of the livestock sector, noting that the global dairy and beef market is valued at about 2.5 trillion dollars, while northern Nigeria accounts for over 70 per cent of the nation’s livestock population.

“If Nigeria captures even five to ten per cent of that market, it could generate about 25 billion dollars annually. The opportunity is immense, but it requires deliberate investment and policy consistency,” he added.

Also speaking during the visit, a livestock business partner to the Botswana Embassy in Abuja, Mr. Clinton Agbo, described the farm as a suitable platform for international collaboration.

“This is my second visit here, including one with the Botswana High Commissioner. We see this as an ideal location to launch a pilot programme. The vision is Pan-African — with Botswana supporting and Nigerians leading implementation for the benefit of the continent,” he said.

Observers say the inspection underscores a growing shift in Nigeria’s livestock policy toward practical, investment-led solutions, with ranching positioned as a key driver of food security, economic diversification and lasting peace.