FIC Report (Benue State) – Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has made a strong case for national legislation to end open grazing, emphasizing the urgent need for structured livestock management across Nigeria.
Speaking at the opening of the 1st Benue Livestock Summit on 21st March 2025 in Makurdi, themed “Re-imagining the Future of Livestock Production in Nigeria for Economic Growth and Self-Sufficiency,” Governor Alia stressed that livestock farming, historically overshadowed by crop production in Benue, has the potential to enhance food security, create wealth, and significantly boost Nigeria’s GDP with the right policies in place.
The governor lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, noting that the move demonstrates a renewed national focus on livestock management. He stated that the Benue State Development Plan (BSDP) 2025–2034 aligns with this vision, as it prioritizes livestock sector transformation for economic prosperity and self-sufficiency.
Reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to the Anti-Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law (2017, as amended), Alia urged the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to champion national legislative reforms that promote ranching over open grazing.
To fast-track livestock development, he announced the establishment of the Bureau for Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, which will drive innovative policies in the sector. He also introduced the “Pasture as a Fodder Crop” initiative, set to commence in 2025, which will cultivate improved pastures in high-livestock regions to support sustainable feeding systems.
Governor Alia further outlined plans to revitalize abandoned livestock facilities in Benue through public-private partnerships, including ranches, breeding centers, and agricultural development projects. He also unveiled plans to establish ten feed mills and hatcheries in each senatorial district and agricultural training centers to bridge knowledge gaps between farmers and extension workers.
These efforts, he said, reflect his administration’s commitment to modernizing livestock production, ensuring economic sustainability, and fostering a more secure agricultural future for Benue and Nigeria at large.
Signed
Irene Iveren Onehi
Head of Centre, Federal Information Centre, Makurdi
