Nigerian Government Allocates Over 100,000 Hectares for Grazing as Part of National Livestock Transformation Plan

The Nigerian government has announced the allocation of over 100,000 hectares of land nationwide to support the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).

This initiative aims to modernize the country's livestock sector, reduce conflicts between farmers and herders, and enhance food security.

Key Highlights of the NLTP:

• Pilot States: The plan was initially launched in seven pilot states: Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau, Taraba, and Zamfara. These states have designated specific grazing reserves for the development of ranches. 

• Land Allocation: Each participating state is responsible for providing the land for the ranches. The federal government does not acquire land from states but collaborates with them to develop the infrastructure. 

• Infrastructure Development: The plan involves transforming traditional grazing reserves into modern ranches, complete with necessary infrastructure such as water points, veterinary services, and feedlots. This transformation is expected to create over two million jobs across various value chains, including meat processing, transportation, and retail. 

• Private Sector Involvement: The government encourages private sector investment in the livestock sector. For instance, in Niger State, a partnership with FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria has been established to develop dairy production in the Bobi Grazing Reserve. 

• Broader Participation: While the plan was initially focused on northern states, it has been expanded to include all states interested in participating. The goal is to create a nationwide network of ranches that will improve livestock productivity and reduce conflicts. 

Challenges and Considerations:

Despite the ambitious goals of the NLTP, several challenges have been identified:

• Security Concerns: In some regions, the presence of armed groups has hindered access to grazing reserves, affecting the implementation of the plan. 

• Community Acceptance: There is a need for continuous engagement with local communities to ensure their support and participation in the plan.

• Sustainable Funding: Securing consistent funding from both federal and state governments, as well as attracting private investment, is crucial for the success of the NLTP.

The allocation of over 100,000 hectares for grazing as part of the NLTP represents a significant step towards modernizing Nigeria's livestock sector. While challenges remain, the collaborative efforts between federal and state governments, as well as the private sector, hold promise for transforming the livestock industry, enhancing food security, and reducing conflicts between farmers and herders.