By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reaffirmed its commitment to end open grazing by accelerating the development of three grazing reserves in Abuja as models for nationwide adoption.
Addressing livestock reporters at the 2025 Media Retreat in Kaduna, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, assured, that “all animals roaming the city centres will be relocated to designated reserves”
He emphasised that the Ministry’s focus on resuscitating the country’s grazing reserves is irrevocable, noting that three grazing reserves in Abuja have been earmarked for accelerated development, while work is also ongoing in other parts of the country to ensure that pastoralists have safe, secure and sustainable grazing grounds.
According to him, “We are not unveiling this plan for the first time. It has been a consistent policy direction of this administration, but now we are entering the stage of implementation. Developing grazing reserves will enable us to reduce the practice of open grazing, enhance productivity, and minimise conflicts between farmers and herders.”
“Our countryside should have milk trucks, not armoured vehicles; milking machines should replace machine guns,” he added. The initiative is part of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy, (NL-GAS) aimed at ensuring peace, food security, and rural prosperity.
Welcoming participants to the retreat, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, who was represented by the Director, Ruminants and Monogastric Development, Victor Egbon, emphasised the critical role of strategic communication in driving livestock growth and shaping public perception of government initiatives.
She expressed confidence that the retreat would strengthen partnerships, enhance reporters’ skills, and amplify the narrative of opportunities and transformation within Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The retreat featured a robust blend of presentations from experts and seasoned practitioners who engaged participants on issues central to livestock reporting and communication for development.
Former Group Managing Director of LEADERSHIP Group and Publisher of Daily Asset, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, delivered a paper on ethical and investigative reporting in the livestock sector, where he challenged journalists to “go beyond episodic coverage of farmer-herder clashes” and instead spotlight the opportunities, innovations, and economic potential within the livestock industry.
