By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
Nigeria’s Ministry of Livestock Development has pledged to collaborate with the nation’s Armed Forces in a major push to ramp up livestock production, bolster food security, and breathe new life into rural economies.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, revealed the plans on Wednesday, 18th February 2026, in Abuja during a meeting with a delegation from the Defence Holding Company Limited.
Under the proposed partnership, joint technical assessments will be carried out at military-run farms across the country. The aim is to take stock of current operations, pinpoint areas needing improvement, and roll out targeted government support to increase productivity and help military establishments become more self-reliant.
“We will visit your farm units, assess what is happening on the ground, and work with you to bridge any gaps,” the Minister explained. “Our aim is to ensure proper standards are met, align with national food security goals, and enable the Armed Forces to gradually produce their own food while contributing to the national supply.”
Mr Maiha stressed that the initiative ties in with the Federal Government’s key priorities: achieving food sovereignty, creating jobs, and fostering stability in local communities.
He also revealed that the Ministry has drawn up plans for an integrated grazing reserve model, starting in Wase, Plateau State. The development will include internal road networks, residential estates, schools, veterinary clinics, dams, and dedicated zones for crops and pasture to support modern ranching methods.
Earlier, the Group Managing Director of Defence Holding Company Limited, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Ndace, explained that his organisation oversees the commercial and agricultural ventures of the Armed Forces. He noted that it is broadening its non-kinetic efforts—such as livestock farming—to enhance food security, reduce insecurity, and aid community reintegration.
He formally requested technical assistance from the Ministry to help develop around 1,000 hectares of livestock and agricultural facilities in Wase, Plateau State.
The collaboration is expected to establish a blueprint for integrating security institutions into national agricultural production and rural development strategies.
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