Federal Government Launches Grazing Reserve Revival to End Farmer-Herder Clashes

Juliet Oladele, Reporting

IBADAN — The Federal Government has commenced the revival of grazing reserves and ranches across the country in a major push to curb persistent farmer-herder clashes and transition pastoralists towards modern ranching methods.

Idris Ajimobi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development and scion of the late former Governor of Oyo State, revealed the initiative on Wednesday during an interactive session with journalists in Ibadan to mark the Eid al-Adha celebration.

Mr Ajimobi confirmed that work has already begun on the Kawu Grazing Reserve in Abuja, with a nationwide audit of existing ranches and all 417 grazing reserves currently underway to determine which facilities can be upgraded before new ones are established.

“It’s not just about teaching farmers modern ways of farming. If we teach without providing the necessary infrastructure, we are wasting our time,” he explained.

“Our intention is to teach, revive the reserves we have, modernise them, and use them as a platform to begin the ranching system that the government wants. It has been successful in other countries, and it can be successful here.”

The presidential aide acknowledged that the grazing reserves pose significant challenges due to their sheer size – Kawu alone spans more than 10,000 hectares. He said partnerships with the private sector and the international community are being secured to drive the revival.

Food Security Ambitions

Mr Ajimobi disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to achieving food security in Nigeria, a pledge that led to the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development.

He revealed that the President has set an ambitious nutritional target: “every child must be able to get a sachet of milk and one egg every day” as a minimum benchmark.

Major Investment Deals

The SSA also listed several recent investment agreements secured by President Tinubu, including:

· A $1.5 billion deal with JBS, the world’s largest beef processor
· A cooperation agreement with France on livestock and agriculture
· A £100 million dairy production and processing pact signed during the President’s recent visit to the United Kingdom

He added that Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in Nigerian bovine red meat, with talks ongoing to commence exports.

Call for Unity and Collective Action

Addressing concerns over insecurity in forests and farmlands, Mr Ajimobi maintained that tackling kidnapping and banditry requires collective action, noting that criminals rarely thrive without some level of community complicity, often linked to poverty.

He said modernising livestock production and engaging community members as part of ranger forces would complement the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, whom he described as “the bravest of the brave”.

“Government has a role to play, but also the communities have a role to play. We are confident that together we can address these challenges,” he said.

Sallah Message

The presidential aide used the Eid al-Adha occasion to call on Nigerians to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, compassion and national unity at a time when the country is confronting economic and social challenges.

“This sacred celebration is not only a period for worship and thanksgiving, but also a moment to reflect on unity, peace, and service to humanity,” Mr Ajimobi said.

“We must continue to promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance, and national unity, regardless of our tribe, religion, or background.”

He concluded with prayers for peace and prosperity, asking that Allah accept the sacrifices of the faithful and grant wisdom to the nation’s leaders.

“Eid Mubarak, and may Allah make it all easy for all of us,” he added.