Federal Government Plans Livestock Modernisation to Address Farmer–Herder Conflicts

The Federal Government has announced a new nationwide effort to modernise agriculture as part of a broader plan to ease long-standing clashes between farmers and herders. The move was revealed during a memorial event for former Kogi State Governor Prince Abubakar Audu in Lokoja.

According to a statement released by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the initiative is designed to reshape how livestock is managed across the country. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said the government intends to turn the livestock sector into a modern, organised system that supports food security and encourages peaceful coexistence.

He noted that the programme centres on large-scale ranching, improved animal husbandry, and a full integration of the livestock value chain into Nigeria’s economic structure. The President believes this shift will convert areas previously marked by tension into productive communities.

In his words, “We are launching a comprehensive initiative to modernise the livestock industry. This includes the creation of large-scale ranching schemes, improved animal husbandry, and the integration of the livestock value chain into our national economy. Our goal is to transform this critical sector from a source of tension into a bastion of prosperity, creating jobs, ensuring food security, and fostering lasting peace between

A New Model for Modernising Agriculture

The plan arrives at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with conflicts linked to open grazing and limited land resources. By modernising agriculture through structured ranching systems, officials believe the government can reduce violence and stimulate growth in rural areas.

Furthermore, Tinubu emphasised that the government is strengthening security institutions to ensure communities remain safe as reforms unfold. He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the capacity of the armed forces and intelligence agencies, while discussions on creating State Police progress to support local security needs.

He also noted that social investment programmes are being scaled up to support vulnerable citizens and empower small and medium enterprises. These measures, he said, would help young Nigerians acquire globally competitive skills, ultimately strengthening the broader push to modernise agriculture.