By Peter Duru, Makurdi
The Benue State Government plans to develop three cattle, sheep, and goat ranches in each senatorial district.
Governor Hyacinth Alia made this known Friday while declaring open the first Benue Livestock Summit 2025, held in Makurdi, with the theme “Re-imagining the Future of Livestock Production in Nigeria for Economic Growth and Self-Sufficiency.”
The Governor stated that the state had neglected the livestock sector, which has enormous economic benefits, assuring that his administration was already putting measures in place to reap the benefits of the sector.
He said, “For years, agriculture in Benue has been overwhelmingly dominated by crop production, relegating livestock development to a secondary concern. This has led to a lack of awareness and investment despite its immense potential to combat food insecurity, generate wealth, and contribute significantly to the GDP.
“As Benue transitions towards ranching, we must prioritize fodder production, hay, and silage. Our goal is to integrate Benue into L-PRES (Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project) to bridge existing gaps in livestock infrastructure.
“Currently, our administration is expanding arable lands and cultivating crops that serve as raw feeds, fodder, or processed livestock feed. This Summit will significantly enrich our ongoing efforts to promote livestock development. The State Government looks forward to implementing the resolutions and communique that will emerge from this gathering.
“Livestock development is a key driver of economic growth. Our administration is committed to Establishing 10 feed mills and 10 hatcheries per senatorial district, setting up nine agricultural training centers to train extension workers and bridge the extension-farmer gap and developing three cattle, sheep, and goat ranches per senatorial district.
“One of the critical takeaways I expect from this Summit is an articulated roadmap for establishing ranches. The failure to develop model ranches in collaboration with farmers and the private sector has hindered livestock growth.
“We are poised to close this gap by operationalizing ranches and empowering farmers to expand beyond subsistence backyard livestock rearing.
“I also wish to reaffirm our administration’s commitment to the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 (as amended). I hope that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development will take the lead in national legislative reforms to prohibit open grazing and promote ranch establishment nationwide.
“This 1st Benue Livestock Summit marks the formal launch of a strategic partnership between Benue State, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and global livestock stakeholders.
“A revitalized livestock sector will not only address food insecurity but also create wealth and vast value-chain opportunities, making Nigeria a key player in the global livestock industry. Benue is fully aligned with this vision.”
Earlier, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed that the Federal Government, Qatar and the Brazilian governments were interested in Livestock development in Benue State.
The Minister, who noted the vast opportunities that abound in the sector, said, “We intend to reactivate the grazing reserves and turn them into ranches with all amenities provided. We have asked all subnationals to provide land for ranches.
“I have told the Governor to give 1000 hectare of land which the Qatari government is ready to pay for. Brazil government is also interested in choice of land and Benue will benefit from this. In all these, we need peace and dialogue to achieve a lot.”
Welcoming the participants to the Summit, the Director General of the Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, Dr Aondakaa Asambe, said the summit was a milestone in the collective quest to reposition Nigeria’s livestock industry for economic growth and self-sufficiency.
He said the state government was committed to harnessing the livestock sector’s vast potential and transforming it into a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and food security.
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