Chidimma Uchegbu – Abuja
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has called on state and local governments to allocate viable grazing lands to invest in pasturing commercialization and pastoral communities to embrace modern, climate-smart practices.
The Minister made the calll at the National Planting Day held at Kawu Grazing Reserve in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
He said that development partners, NGOs, and traditional institutions were also invited to play active roles in ensuring the programme’s success.
According to the Minister, the grazing reserves are not merely patches of land, but hubs of opportunity,” He highlighting the potential for breed improvement, veterinary services, youth employment, women’s empowerment through organized milk production, and enhanced food security.
Maiha declared the gesture as a “symbol of hope” for a future in which cattle no longer need to trek vast distances in search of pasture, and where grazing reserves evolve into “centres of excellence” in animal husbandry.
He commended the Kawu community, Bwari Area Council, and FCT administration for their support.
“Let us water these seeds with unity, nurture them with innovation, and harvest from them the peace and prosperity our nation deserves, he added .
He noted that the lack of quality and sustainable fodder has led to nutritional deficiencies in animals, reduced productivity, and conflicts between farmers and herders.
“To address this challenge, the Federal Government has launched a national pasture development program, which includes investing in high-yielding and drought-tolerant pasture species, training pasture and herder extension services, and establishing strategy pasture seed banks and feedlots”, he said.
Maiha assured that the administration is committed to implementing the National Livestock Growth Administration Strategy, which aims to promote peace, productivity, and prosperity in the livestock sector.
Speaking earlier, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), his Excellency, Nyesom Wike who was represented by the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Dr. Mariya Mahmud said Kawu Grazing Reserve is a strategic asset in the FCT agricultural landscape with proper pastoral management, water infrastructure, and veterinary services. It has the potential to serve as a model for other states in the Federation.
The Minister, emphasized the importance of modernizing livestock production to enhance food security and build a sustainable agricultural future.
He responded to concerns raised by Alhaji Ali Dankawu, the District Head of Kawu, regarding compensation for landowners of the grazing reserve, assuring that the issue is being addressed through official channels and that the FCT administration is committed to completing the process.
The District Head had also requested the establishment of a registration center in the area to address security concerns.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to transform the livestock sector through sustainable policies, improved veterinary services, and climate-smart technologies.
