The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fostering peace, economic growth and sustainable livestock development in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Speaking at the first Benue State Livestock Development Summit held in Makurdi over the weekend, the minister commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his foresight in establishing the Benue State Bureau for Livestock Development and appointing Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe as its director-general.
Maiha stated that the creation of the bureau aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which recognises the vast but largely untapped economic potential in Nigeria’s livestock sector. He described the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a strategic move towards wealth creation, job opportunities and national economic transformation.
He noted that the ministry’s mandate is to modernise the sector and create economic opportunities in the production and marketing of all farmable animals, ranging from bees to cattle, camels and donkeys.
Reiterating the importance of data-driven policies, the minister explained that the livestock sector currently contributes nine per cent to the GDP, valued at $32 billion, but has the potential to grow to $74 billion by 2035 through targeted investments in breeding, animal health management, feed production and market expansion. He highlighted that the ministry has digitised grazing routes and is regrassing the 417 grazing reserves to provide pasture for the settlement of pastoralists. Subnational governments have also been requested to allocate land for pasture production, which could be used for fodder export, a market currently valued at $2.09 billion globally.
The minister further stated that the government is working to establish disease-free zones and compartments in locations such as Obudu Cattle Ranch and the Mambila Plateau to ensure the production of healthy animals for both domestic and global meat markets. He stressed that structured livestock development is not only an economic imperative but also a peacebuilding strategy, as it will help mitigate long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders.
In his remarks, the governor welcomed the minister and expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support in repositioning Benue State as a leader in livestock production. He noted that for decades, agriculture in Benue has been dominated by crop production, leaving livestock development largely neglected despite its potential to combat food insecurity, generate wealth and boost the state’s GDP.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to changing this narrative by prioritising livestock development, which is evident in the establishment of the Bureau for Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control. With 25,500 square kilometres of arable land and immense livestock farming potential, Benue is ready to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and private sector investors. He announced that in 2025, the state would adopt a “Pasture as a Fodder Crop” strategy, cultivating improved pasture that can be baled and sold to regions with high livestock populations, particularly those reliant on cattle and other ruminants.
Alia further listed several state-owned livestock facilities that require rehabilitation and modernisation, including the Ikyôgen Cattle Ranch and Resort, the Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre in Raav and the Makurdi International Cattle Market. He requested the Federal Government’s intervention in reviving these facilities to enhance livestock production and economic development.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 (as amended). He urged the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to spearhead national legislative reforms promoting ranching as the standard practice for livestock management in Nigeria.
As part of the summit’s activities, the minister inspected various livestock production inputs, including animal feed and health-related products. He also visited a swine improvement centre at the Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture in Gboko and the cattle breeding farm at Raav in Gwer west local government area.
A statement by the ministry’s director of information and public relations, Ben Bem Goong noted that Maiha promised the Ministry would allocate adequate resources for the rehabilitation and upgrade of these facilities. He emphasised that strengthening livestock infrastructure would drive economic growth, improve food security, and foster peace between farming and pastoral communities.
