MAKURDI — The governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has urged the federal government and specifically the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to spearhead nationwide legislative changes aimed at eliminating open grazing and encouraging the creation of ranches throughout the nation.
During the inauguration of the Benue State Livestock Summit 2025 in Makurdi on Friday, the Governor revealed this information. He also affirmed his government’s dedication to the Benue State Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 (amended version).
This may be the first instance in nearly two years since taking office that the governor has firmly addressed the enforcement of the Benue State Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 (amended version), which is also referred to as the Anti-Open Grazing Law.
Previously, there was significant public opposition because the state government attempted to dilute the Anti-Open Grazing Law. In certain cases, this led to setbacks, effectively halting the enforcement of the legislation.
During the ceremony, which was attended by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maina, Governor Alia emphasized that the state plans to enforce the Anti-Open Grazing Law and focus on producing fodder, hay, and silage as part of its transition toward ranching.
To achieve this, he mentioned that his government was increasing cultivation of crops that could be used as raw materials, forage, or processed animal feed. He also noted that the Summit would provide an occasion to enhance current initiatives aimed at boosting livestock development.
The governor who charged the Summit to articulate a roadmap for establishing ranches, also urged them to develop model ranches in collaboration with farmers and the private sector has hindered livestock growth, insisting that there would be no viable ranches without the inputs of farmers in the state.
As stated by Governor Alia, "The inaugural Benue Livestock Summit signifies the official commencement of a collaborative effort among Benue State, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and international livestock entities."
As Benue moves toward ranching, we should focus on producing fodder, hay, and silage. The aim is to incorporate Benue into the L-PRES project (Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project) to address deficiencies in livestock infrastructure.
I would like to reinforce our government's dedication to the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranch Establishments Act 2017 (amended version). I am hopeful that the Federal Ministry of Animal Husbandry will spearhead national legal changes aimed at banning open grazing practices across the country and encouraging the development of ranches.
Livestock development plays a crucial role in driving economic progress. We are dedicated to achieving the following objectives: constructing 10 feed mills and 10 hatcheries within each senatorial district; establishing nine agricultural training facilities aimed at educating extension workers and closing the gap between them and farmers; as well as forming three ranches for cattle, sheep, and goats in every senatorial area.
One key expectation from this summit is the presentation of a clear plan for setting up ranches. The lack of collaborative efforts between model ranches, farmers, and the private sector has impeded progress in livestock development. We aim to bridge this gap by implementing ranch operations and enabling farmers to move past mere subsistence-level backyard animal husbandry.
Moreover, as we strive to diversify the complete livestock supply chain, we look for the Honourable Minister's assistance in drawing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) towards Benue's pork sector. Considering our economic, cultural, and societal benefits, this supply chain presents significant opportunities.
The Governor observed that the theme of the Summit, "Re-envisioning the Future of Livestock Production in Nigeria for Economic Prosperity and Autonomy," is fully aligned with the objectives outlined in the Benue State Development Plan (BSDP) from 2025 to 2034. This plan focuses on implementing concrete policies and strategic pathways aimed at fostering economic prosperity and autonomy within Benue state.
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