The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to relocate cattle that are roaming the Abuja city centre to designated grazing reserves. Minister of Livestock Development Dr. Idi Maiha disclosed this at the 2025 Media Retreat in Kaduna, themed “Driving Livestock Growth through Strategic Communication.” The move is intended to address farmer‑herder conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence among rural communities.
Dr. Maiha said the ministry will soon launch a national peace campaign aimed at achieving sustainable peace between farmers and herders. This initiative follows a recent engagement with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to move animals from the city centre to grazing reserves. The minister emphasized that strong commitment from state governments is essential for comprehensive, lasting peace, noting that stability in rural areas underpins food security, job creation, and national stability.
The livestock sector is a key driver of wealth creation, employment, and rural stability in Nigeria. Over the next five years, the ministry’s priority is to provide the sector with appropriate policies, programmes, and projects. Dr. Maiha stressed the importance of communication in advancing the livestock sector and urged the media to use their skills to amplify its narrative.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, represented by Dr. Victor Egbon, highlighted the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of government initiatives. Effective communication, she noted, builds trust, shapes perceptions, and inspires meaningful action. The media retreat aimed to improve journalists’ proficiency in covering the livestock sector and to strengthen the partnership between the ministry and the media.
Relocating cattle from Abuja’s city centre to grazing reserves is a significant step toward mitigating farmer‑herder conflicts. The forthcoming national peace campaign will further promote peaceful coexistence among rural communities. As the livestock sector continues to grow, effective communication and collaboration among government, media, and stakeholders are essential. With the right policies and programmes, Nigeria’s livestock sector is poised to drive economic growth, create jobs, and ensure food security for the nation.
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