Eleven Nigerian States Embrace Ranching Amid Rising Herders-Farmers Clashes
In a significant shift toward resolving the prolonged and deadly conflict between herders and farmers across Nigeria, eleven states are moving to implement ranching systems. This policy approach is seen as a sustainable solution to curb the recurring violence, which has resulted in substantial loss of lives and property over the years.
The states actively taking concrete steps to initiate or expand ranching include Lagos, Plateau, Ondo, Zamfara, Bauchi, Delta, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Anambra. These states are either allocating land, developing infrastructure, or formulating policies to support ranching as a modern livestock management practice.
The urgency of this transition has been heightened by recent violent attacks, particularly in Benue State, where over 200 individuals were reportedly killed in Yelewata by suspected armed herders. President Bola Tinubu, in response, condemned the act as part of a land-grabbing campaign and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. He directed both the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to act swiftly. In addition, a committee comprising respected elders, including former governors and traditional rulers, has been formed to foster peace in affected areas.
Lagos State Leads the Way
Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial nerve center, has already begun implementing a ranching project. According to Emmanuel Audu, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the initiative has been in development for over three years. The state has provided land and is installing necessary infrastructure, with plans to allocate ranch space to private investors.
He also emphasized Lagos’ legal framework banning open grazing, reinforcing the state’s commitment to modern livestock practices.
Several Lagos residents support this transition. Emmanuel Sanusi from Surulere highlighted the sustainability and security benefits of ranching. Similarly, political activist Ayoyinka Oni stressed that those interested in open grazing should purchase large tracts of private land instead. However, others like Adebayo Adedeji expressed skepticism about the viability of either open grazing or ranching in a densely populated urban setting like Lagos.
Anambra: Legal Support and Political Will
In Anambra State, Commissioner for Information Dr. Law Mefor confirmed the existence of an anti-open grazing law enacted during the tenure of former Governor Willie Obiano. He noted that Governor Chukwuma Soludo supports ranching and is aligned with the Federal Government’s broader economic team, suggesting a cooperative stance.
However, opinions among residents are divided. Legal expert and activist Dr. Okey Ifeanyi argued that ranching is essentially a private business and that states should not be pressured to allocate land. Chief Osita Odinaka, another resident, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the potential misuse of public resources for private gain.
Ondo, Zamfara, and Nasarawa Show Readiness
Ondo State also supports ranching but has yet to form a formal partnership with the Federal Government. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s aide on Agribusiness, Akinsola Wemimo, stated that the state runs two ranches—one owned by O’dua Investment Company and another by the state government. Despite the lack of federal funds or land requests, the state remains open to investors.
Zamfara State’s government, plagued by violent herder-farmer clashes, has expressed a strong willingness to contribute land for ranching. Mustafa Jafaru, media aide to Governor Dauda Lawal, emphasized the state’s abundant land and readiness to support initiatives aimed at ending hostilities.
Nasarawa State has already allocated 22,000 hectares in Awe Local Government Area as part of the Federal Government’s model ranching hub. Governor Abdullahi Sule noted that the effort would help address lingering security issues and urged the federal authorities to expedite similar projects in other willing states.
Plateau State: Pilot Projects Underway
In Plateau State, ranching efforts are gaining momentum through partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. Yiljap Abraham, a policy adviser to Governor Caleb Mutfwang, said that ranching facilities are already underway in Wase and Kanam local councils. The plan includes modernizing the Jos abattoir to process up to 500 cattle daily, improving both economic output and food safety.
Abraham added that while open grazing has not been formally banned, the state is actively discouraging it in favor of controlled livestock farming.
Adamawa, Gombe, and Community Perspectives
In Adamawa State, Commissioner for Livestock and Aquaculture, Alhaji Tijani Atiku, clarified that while the state received a federal request for 5,000 hectares for pasture, there has been no direct ranching proposal yet. However, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri approved 800 hectares for pasture development in three key grazing reserves.
In Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya announced a N60 billion agro-livestock development fund from the Federal Government. The project spans 184 hectares and is aimed at reducing tensions between herders and farmers. While some, like Yahaya Ahmed, a civil servant, applaud the shift toward ranching, others urge caution. Bello Musa, a Fulani community leader, stressed the importance of inclusive planning and provision of essentials like water and veterinary services to prevent the initiative from becoming ineffective.
Calls for Transparency and Sustainable Implementation
Youth groups and civil society actors are calling for strict accountability regarding the billions allocated for ranching projects. Grace Bitrus, a youth advocate, emphasized that beyond building infrastructure, training centers for animal health, feed processing, and veterinary care should be prioritized.
Farmers such as Aliyu Mohammed from Yamaltu-Deba emphasized enforcement, stating that unregulated cattle movement had caused significant crop destruction. He called for a robust policy that ensures ranching goes hand-in-hand with law enforcement.
Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa: Support with Caution
In Akwa Ibom, many residents welcome the state government’s initiative to establish ranches. Mrs. Lovina Anthony advocated community participation, emphasizing the reduction of violent clashes and enhancement of food security as key benefits.
Bayelsa State also has an anti-open grazing law, and violators have reportedly been prosecuted. Although the government has designated land for grazing, it is unclear whether it will formally convert it into a ranch under the federal scheme. While some farmers support the move, citing security and productivity gains, others worry about potential land-grabbing or encroachment by herders.
Benue and Edo States Remain Undecided
Despite being at the epicenter of herder-farmer violence, Benue State has yet to decide whether to allocate land for federal ranching projects. Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mathew Abo, noted that the matter would be deliberated by the state government before any commitments are made.
Some residents have vocally opposed any such move. Terna, a local teacher, stated that ranching is no longer a discussion topic in the state, considering the consistent loss of life. “We already have an anti-open grazing law. Have the killings stopped?” he asked.
Similarly, a senior civil servant named Ede opposed the idea, recalling resistance to similar initiatives under the previous administration, such as the controversial RUGA settlement program.
In Edo State, the situation remains fluid. Gold Igbodu, the governor’s agricultural adviser, said no decision has been made. However, policy analyst Lucky Isibor called on the state to consider the broader implications of accepting federal funds for ranching.
Kwara State: A Hybrid Approach
Kwara appears to be adopting a mixed model, combining elements of both ranching and traditional grazing. According to livestock officials, the government is investing in feed production and water access, especially in Fulani settlements across several local councils. Boreholes have been dug in Moro, Asa, Ifelodun, Irepodun, and others.
The local branch of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria supports ranching. Chairman Aboki Umar shared his personal experience, noting how his cows, raised in a ranch, have thrived without destroying others’ farms.
Oyo State Maintains Firm Stance
Oyo State continues to enforce its anti-open grazing law. Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, confirmed that more than 58 cows had been confiscated over the past two years, and numerous herders were prosecuted. The government has also constructed a security post at Ijaye Farm Settlement to protect local farmers and enhance food production.
Olaleye reiterated that Oyo remains one of the safest states for commercial agriculture, thanks to its legal framework and active law enforcement through the Amotekun Corps.
Imo State: Mixed Reactions on Ranching Plans
In Imo State, the proposal to introduce ranching has sparked mixed reactions among political and academic stakeholders. The state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed strong reservations, warning that the initiative could lead to local unrest. They also criticized the Federal Government’s involvement in what they described as a private economic venture, questioning the rationale behind using public land and resources to support private livestock businesses.
On the other hand, academic experts within the state see promise in the ranching model. Dr. Desmond Echeta, a lecturer at the Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Services, highlighted the potential benefits of a well-regulated ranching system. According to him, establishing legal frameworks and proper infrastructure would not only reduce the frequent conflicts between herders and farmers but also unlock opportunities in the growing agro-livestock sector.
As Nigeria continues to tackle ongoing security and food production challenges, ranching is increasingly seen as a necessary alternative to open grazing. Yet, for this system to succeed, it must be implemented with sensitivity to local realities. Transparency, community involvement, and adherence to state laws will be crucial.
With over a dozen states moving forward with ranching policies, Imo’s decision could shape regional momentum. If approached carefully, ranching could pave the way for safer, more productive agricultural communities across the country.