Ranching Gains Ground as 11 States Back FG Plan Amid Herders-Farmers Clashes

In a bold move to address the persistent conflict between herders and farmers, 11 Nigerian states have signaled readiness to adopt ranching as a sustainable alternative to open grazing. The states—Lagos, Plateau, Ondo, Zamfara, Bauchi, Delta, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Anambra—have either set aside land or are in the process of formulating policies to support the initiative.

This development comes amid growing insecurity in states like Benue and Plateau, where armed attacks by suspected herders have led to mass casualties, including over 200 deaths in Yelewata, Benue State. President Bola Tinubu has since vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable and initiated peace efforts through a special committee of elders and traditional leaders.

States Begin Implementation and Policy Alignment
In Lagos, the government has already begun constructing ranching infrastructure, affirming its opposition to open grazing through an existing state law. The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Emmanuel Audu, revealed that the state would collaborate with the federal government where necessary, but emphasised that Lagos was already developing its own ranching model for private-sector adoption.

Anambra and Ondo have also reinforced their anti-open grazing stance. Officials in Anambra said the 2021 law banning open grazing remains in force, and the state is ready to align with federal plans once conditions are right. Ondo, on the other hand, has two functional ranches and is open to private investors despite not yet partnering with the federal authorities.

In Nasarawa, Governor Abdullahi Sule disclosed that 22,000 hectares had been allocated in Awe LGA to support a ranching model developed with federal backing. Similarly, Plateau has begun pilot projects in Wase and Kanam, with plans to revamp livestock facilities including the Jos abattoir.

Zamfara, facing severe herder-farmer clashes, has pledged large expanses of land to the federal government for ranching. Officials stressed that any initiative likely to reduce violence would be welcomed by the state.

Cautious States, Divided Opinions
However, not all states have made commitments. In Benue, where anti-open grazing laws are strictly enforced, officials said no decision has been made regarding land contributions for ranches. Residents remain skeptical, with some viewing the policy as an imposition that could worsen land-related conflicts.

Edo, Bayelsa, Adamawa, and Kwara have also shown hesitation. While Adamawa has started pasture development in grazing reserves, officials say they are yet to receive a formal request from the federal ministry regarding ranching land. Edo and Bayelsa have not reached formal decisions, and Kwara appears to be blending both grazing models while investing in livestock support infrastructure.

Public Sentiment Mixed, Calls for Transparency
Across Nigeria, opinions on ranching remain divided. In the South, several residents back ranching as a more modern and peaceful solution. Others, particularly in the North and Middle Belt, caution against potential displacement and misuse of public land.

In Gombe, for instance, a N60 billion federal investment for an agro-livestock hub sparked debates about transparency and implementation. While some praised the potential for jobs and improved food security, others warned against sidelining traditional herding communities.

Farmers in Kwara and Akwa Ibom expressed support for ranching, citing its potential to reduce conflict and increase productivity. Oyo has continued to enforce its anti-open grazing law, with fines and arrests of violators as part of broader food security measures.

In contrast, some voices from Imo and Benue raised questions about the federal government’s involvement in what they consider a private business. Imo PDP described the initiative as provocative, while agricultural experts in the state urged for legal safeguards to make ranching effective and conflict-free.

Looking Ahead
Despite differing perspectives, the momentum for ranching is building. Analysts say ranching, if effectively implemented and adequately funded, could transform Nigeria’s livestock sector and significantly reduce deadly conflicts between farmers and herders. However, clear policies, inclusive consultations, and transparency will be essential to ensuring long-term success.