Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has called on the Federal Government to enact legislation prohibiting open grazing across Nigeria, emphasizing that ranching remains the only viable model for modern animal husbandry.
Governor Alia made the appeal on Friday in Makurdi while declaring open the Benue Livestock Summit 2025. He urged the Minister of Livestock Development to spearhead legislative reforms that would institutionalize ranching nationwide and end the challenges associated with open grazing.
“I also wish to reaffirm our administration’s commitment to the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 (as amended). It is my 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,” Alia stated.
The governor highlighted Benue State’s goal of integrating into the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project to address gaps in livestock infrastructure and maximize economic opportunities in the sector.
He lamented that, for years, agriculture in Benue had been dominated by crop production, while livestock development remained neglected despite its potential to boost food security, wealth creation, and the country’s GDP.
To revamp the sector, Governor Alia unveiled his administration’s plans to establish 10 feed mills and 10 hatcheries per senatorial district, along with nine agricultural training centers to train extension workers.
The governor also urged the Minister of Livestock Development to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Benue’s pig industry, citing the state’s economic and cultural advantages in pig farming.
“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,” he noted.
Governor Alia emphasized that a revitalized livestock sector would help tackle food insecurity, generate wealth, and position Nigeria as a key player in the global livestock industry.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and acknowledged the support of Minister Idi Maiha in advancing livestock infrastructure in Benue.
The Benue Livestock Summit 2025 marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between Benue State, the Federal Government, and global livestock stakeholders. The summit aims to develop policies that will transform Nigeria’s livestock sector through sustainable and profitable ranching practices.
