Efforts to resolve the farmer-herder crisis in Nigeria have received a boost as President Bola Tinubu announced that the Federal Government is prepared to acquire land for ranches and livestock production. The President made this declaration during a meeting with the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and heads of security agencies at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
President Tinubu received the report of the National Conference on Livestock Reforms, which recommended the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock to facilitate the implementation of their proposals. Emphasizing the need for leadership responsibility, Tinubu stated, "It is not the fault of the herdsmen or farmers. It is our fault – the leadership – for not finding solutions in the past to solve our problem."
The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock and other agencies was among the recommendations put forward by the committee. The move seeks to enhance investment in the livestock sector, provide ranches, and ultimately reduce the persistent conflicts between herders and farmers, particularly in Nigeria's North-Central states.
This development comes after the approval of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) by the National Economic Council (NEC) in 2019. The plan aims to improve the livestock industry and address the escalating conflicts between herders and farmers that have plagued the country for years.
President Tinubu's commitment to acquiring land for ranches and livestock development signifies a significant step toward resolving the farmer-herder crisis and promoting peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
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