FG Selects Kwara as Pilot State for National Ranching Policy
The Federal Government has designated Kwara State as the pilot state for the implementation of Nigeria’s national ranching policy aimed at modernising the livestock sector, increasing productivity, and addressing persistent farmers-herders conflicts.
The Minister for Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, announced the decision on Tuesday during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
Maiha urged Nigerians to abandon the belief that ranching requires huge capital outlay, stressing that small-scale livestock farming can grow into profitable ventures. He highlighted fodder production as a major economic opportunity, noting that countries in the Middle East are interested in importing grass from Nigeria.
According to him, the Federal Government is working with state and local governments to create an enabling environment for livestock development. He disclosed that discussions had commenced with the Kwara State Government on the establishment of feedlots to enhance productivity and provide structured support for livestock farmers.
He explained that the pilot programme in Kwara would demonstrate how nomadic herders can be settled with adequate infrastructure to improve output and reduce conflicts with farmers.
The minister also decried the large number of poultry businesses operating outside the formal sector, describing it as a long-standing challenge to growth. He noted that livestock remains Nigeria’s primary source of animal protein and expressed optimism that the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development would reposition the sector to become more resilient and globally competitive.
Maiha further cited opportunities in honey production, referencing the significant value of honey imports into Nigeria and pointing to Kwara’s potential in that area.
He encouraged young Nigerians to embrace technology-driven agriculture, drawing comparisons with Brazil’s model, where smallholder farmers receive structured support from large processors to reduce risks and ensure stable supply chains.
Responding, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Afeez Alabi, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to livestock and poultry development. He described poultry as a key driver of food security, job creation, and economic growth.
The state government pledged continued support for farmer training, access to improved inputs, biosecurity measures, veterinary services, and livestock value chain development.
Earlier, the Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, emphasised the importance of youth empowerment through agriculture. She said the initiative was designed to shift focus from conflict to productivity and ensure young people are meaningfully engaged in livestock and agribusiness.
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