Mohamed Garba
In a bid to address the long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria, the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Livestock Development has urged the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Muktar, to take decisive action.
The committee’s call to action came on Tuesday as the minister defended the ministry’s 2025 budget.Senator Simon Lalong emphasized the need for the ministry to develop the livestock sector in a way that promotes peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
This is crucial, as the clashes have resulted in loss of lives and property destruction.To achieve this, the senator advocated for intensive sensitization and advocacy campaigns to change the misconceptions surrounding ranching.
The National Livestock Transformation Plan, launched in 2019, aims to modernize the livestock sector and promote peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers.The plan involves establishing ranches and grazing reserves, improving livestock breeds, and promoting fodder production.
While some states have made progress in implementing the plan, others face challenges, including inadequate funding, lack of political will, and resistance from herders and farmers.The committee’s task to the minister is a step towards addressing the farmer-herder crisis, which has become a major security concern in Nigeria.
