Nigeria is taking bold steps to end decades-long herder-farmer clashes with a national plan to restore 417 grazing reserves across the country.
The initiative promises safer pastoral zones, stronger food security, and revitalized livestock systems, marking a turning point for agricultural stability and rural peace.
In a major move aimed at resolving the persistent conflict between herders and farmers across Nigeria, the Federal Government has unveiled a robust plan to rehabilitate 417 grazing reserves nationwide. The project, which is expected to roll out in phases, is part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader strategy to promote peace, enhance agricultural productivity, and modernize the livestock sector.
The announcement was made in Ibadan over the weekend by Mr. Idris Ajimobi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development. He explained that the rehabilitation program would be carried out in partnership with both domestic and international stakeholders under the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development.
According to Ajimobi, the first phase of the project will see the revival of two to three grazing reserves in each geopolitical zone within the next 12 to 18 months. These pilot sites will serve as models for the full-scale rehabilitation expected to cover all 417 designated grazing reserves.
“Our goal is to revive every available grazing reserve that can be salvaged,” Ajimobi stated. “While some of these reserves have deteriorated due to years of neglect and the encroachment of invasive weeds, many about 400 of them remain usable with only minor interventions needed to restore them to optimal conditions.”
The Federal Government’s focus on grazing reserve restoration stems from the need to create safe, controlled environments for pastoralists and their livestock, thereby reducing the chances of deadly clashes with farming communities. For decades, violent confrontations between nomadic herders and local farmers have disrupted rural life and agriculture, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions of the country.
Ajimobi emphasized that solving the herder-farmer crisis would require more than just land rehabilitation. He said the Ministry is taking a holistic approach by addressing systemic issues such as lack of veterinary care, limited access to water and fodder, and poor livestock health management. “We are not just building grazing areas; we are building sustainable ecosystems that support both people and animals,” he said.
He added that the Tinubu administration is committed to involving local communities in the process to ensure long-term success. “We have to engage the people on the ground. Sensitization and stakeholder engagement are essential. We want them to feel a sense of ownership over these projects.”
To achieve this, the government is collaborating with local leaders, traditional rulers, development partners, and foreign investors. According to Ajimobi, there is already significant interest from international bodies willing to invest in Nigeria’s livestock value chain. These include organizations that specialize in animal health, irrigation technology, and sustainable agriculture.
In addition to conflict resolution, the Federal Government’s livestock initiative also seeks to improve the quality and availability of beef and dairy products in Nigeria. The Ministry is working on supporting farmers with improved cattle breeds, better feeding practices, and access to markets, which will, in turn, help boost local milk production.
“We envision a Nigeria where every child has access to at least one pack of nutritious milk daily,” Ajimobi said. “This is achievable if we scale up domestic dairy production and reduce our overreliance on imports.”
The announcement has been met with optimism from both agricultural experts and rural communities who see the initiative as a long-overdue solution to the long-standing herder-farmer conflict and a transformative step for the livestock industry.
If implemented effectively, stakeholders believe the grazing reserve rehabilitation program could not only bring lasting peace to affected areas but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth and food security.
