In a significant move aimed at addressing urban disorder, mitigating farmer-herder conflicts, and promoting sustainable livestock management, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a strategic initiative to relocate all cattle currently roaming the streets of Abuja’s city centre to designated grazing reserves. This ambitious policy was unveiled by the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Maiha, during a speech delivered at the 2025 Media Retreat held in Kaduna. The retreat, themed “Driving Livestock Growth through Strategic Communication,” served as a platform for the minister to outline the government’s vision for transforming the livestock sector and fostering peaceful coexistence between farmers, herders, and communities across the nation.
The announcement comes as part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to address the longstanding challenges associated with open grazing, particularly in urban areas like Abuja, where the presence of cattle on city streets has raised concerns about public safety, environmental degradation, and urban aesthetics. The initiative also seeks to tackle the recurring conflicts between farmers and herders, which have plagued various parts of the country, resulting in loss of lives, property, and livelihoods. By moving cattle to designated grazing reserves, the government aims to create a more organized and sustainable framework for livestock management while promoting peace and stability in affected regions.
A National Campaign for Peace and Coexistence
During his address at the Kaduna retreat, Dr. Maiha emphasized the government’s commitment to launching a nationwide peace campaign in the coming weeks. This campaign, according to the minister, is designed to foster dialogue, reduce tensions, and promote sustainable coexistence between farmers, herders, organized groups, and local communities. The initiative reflects the government’s recognition of the complex socio-economic and cultural factors that contribute to farmer-herder conflicts and underscores its determination to address these issues through proactive and inclusive measures.
“The ministry will soon embark on a national peace campaign to achieve sustainable peace between farmers and herders, organized groups, and communities across the country,” Dr. Maiha stated. He highlighted that the campaign would involve extensive stakeholder engagement, public awareness efforts, and strategic communication to bridge gaps in understanding and foster collaboration among affected groups. The minister noted that the campaign would be rolled out in phases, with a focus on grassroots sensitization, conflict resolution workshops, and the establishment of mechanisms to prevent future clashes.
The peace campaign is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the root causes of farmer-herder conflicts, which have been exacerbated by competition over land and water resources, climate change, and the lack of clear policies on grazing and land use. By creating a platform for dialogue and cooperation, the government aims to build trust among stakeholders and lay the foundation for a more harmonious and productive agricultural sector.
Engagement with Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association
A key component of the government’s strategy to relocate cattle from Abuja’s city centre is its collaboration with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), a prominent organization representing pastoralists in the country. Dr. Maiha revealed that the Ministry of Livestock Development held a productive meeting with MACBAN on Friday to discuss the modalities of the relocation process and ensure its smooth implementation.
“On Friday, we had a robust engagement with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria as part of our moves to relocate animals roaming the city centre in Abuja to grazing reserves,” the minister disclosed. He emphasized that the engagement was aimed at securing the buy-in of herders and their representatives, addressing their concerns, and ensuring that the relocation process is inclusive and equitable.
The partnership with MACBAN is a critical step in the government’s efforts to implement the relocation policy effectively. By working closely with herders’ representatives, the government seeks to address potential challenges, such as resistance to relocation, logistical issues, and the need for adequate infrastructure in the grazing reserves. The minister noted that the discussions with MACBAN focused on identifying suitable grazing reserves, ensuring access to water and fodder, and providing support for herders during the transition period.
Addressing Urban Challenges in Abuja
The decision to relocate cattle from Abuja’s city centre is driven by the need to restore order and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the nation’s capital. The presence of cattle on major roads and public spaces in Abuja has long been a source of concern for residents, urban planners, and policymakers. Roaming cattle contribute to traffic congestion, pose safety risks, and create sanitation challenges, as their waste litters streets and public areas. Moreover, the practice of open grazing in urban settings is incompatible with the vision of a modern, organized, and clean capital city.
By moving cattle to designated grazing reserves, the government aims to create a more orderly and livable urban environment in Abuja. The relocation is expected to reduce the incidence of cattle-related accidents, improve road safety, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Additionally, the initiative aligns with the government’s broader urban development goals, which prioritize infrastructure improvement, environmental sustainability, and public health.
The grazing reserves, according to Dr. Maiha, will be equipped with the necessary facilities to support sustainable livestock rearing. These facilities include access to water sources, grazing areas, veterinary services, and security measures to protect both the herders and their livestock. The government’s plan is to create a model that can be replicated in other parts of the country, thereby addressing similar challenges in urban and rural areas alike.
Tackling Farmer-Herder Conflicts
Beyond its immediate impact on Abuja’s urban landscape, the relocation initiative is a critical component of the government’s strategy to address the broader issue of farmer-herder conflicts. These conflicts, which have escalated in recent years, are driven by a combination of factors, including competition for scarce resources, population growth, and the lack of designated grazing areas. In many parts of Nigeria, clashes between farmers and herders have resulted in significant loss of life, displacement of communities, and destruction of farmlands and livestock.
The Federal Government’s decision to relocate cattle to grazing reserves is aimed at reducing the frequency and intensity of these conflicts by providing herders with designated areas for grazing, thereby minimizing their encroachment on farmlands. The grazing reserves are intended to serve as controlled environments where herders can rear their livestock without coming into conflict with farmers or other land users. By creating a clear delineation between grazing and farming areas, the government hopes to reduce competition for land and promote peaceful coexistence.
The minister emphasized that the relocation policy is part of a holistic approach to addressing farmer-herder conflicts. In addition to providing grazing reserves, the government is working on improving access to water and fodder, promoting modern livestock management practices, and supporting the development of ranches and feedlots. These measures are expected to enhance the productivity of the livestock sector while reducing its environmental and social impact.
Strategic Communication as a Tool for Change
The theme of the 2025 Media Retreat, “Driving Livestock Growth through Strategic Communication,” underscores the critical role of communication in the success of the government’s livestock development initiatives. Dr. Maiha highlighted that effective communication is essential for building public support, raising awareness, and ensuring the successful implementation of policies such as the cattle relocation program and the national peace campaign.
During the retreat, the minister called on media practitioners to partner with the government in disseminating accurate and timely information about its policies and programs. He emphasized the need for journalists to educate the public about the benefits of the relocation initiative, the peace campaign, and other efforts to transform the livestock sector. By providing balanced and objective coverage, the media can help to dispel misconceptions, counter misinformation, and foster a sense of shared responsibility among stakeholders.
The ministry plans to leverage various communication channels, including traditional media, social media, and community engagement platforms, to reach a wide audience. The national peace campaign, in particular, will rely heavily on strategic communication to promote dialogue, build trust, and encourage collaboration among farmers, herders, and communities. The government also intends to work with local leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations to ensure that its messages resonate at the grassroots level.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the government’s plan to relocate cattle and address farmer-herder conflicts is ambitious, it is not without challenges. One of the primary challenges is the need for adequate funding to develop and maintain grazing reserves. Establishing these reserves requires significant investment in infrastructure, such as water supply systems, fencing, and veterinary facilities. Additionally, the government must ensure that the reserves are accessible to herders and meet their needs in terms of grazing land and security.
Another challenge is the potential resistance from herders, who may be reluctant to relocate due to cultural, economic, or logistical concerns. The government’s engagement with MACBAN and other stakeholders is a positive step toward addressing these concerns, but sustained dialogue and support will be necessary to ensure the cooperation of herders and their communities.
Despite these challenges, the relocation initiative presents significant opportunities for the livestock sector and the broader agricultural economy. By modernizing livestock management practices and promoting sustainable grazing, the government can enhance the productivity and profitability of the sector. The creation of grazing reserves also has the potential to generate employment opportunities, particularly for young people, in areas such as veterinary services, feed production, and security.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals of economic diversification and food security. The livestock sector is a critical component of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, contributing to employment, income generation, and food production. By addressing the challenges associated with open grazing and farmer-herder conflicts, the government can unlock the sector’s potential and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
A Vision for a Sustainable Future
The Federal Government’s decision to relocate cattle from Abuja’s city centre to grazing reserves is a bold and forward-thinking step toward addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s livestock sector. By combining this initiative with a national peace campaign and strategic communication efforts, the government is laying the groundwork for a more organized, sustainable, and peaceful agricultural sector.
Dr. Maiha’s announcement at the 2025 Media Retreat in Kaduna reflects the government’s commitment to transformative change. The relocation of cattle to grazing reserves is not just about restoring order in Abuja; it is about creating a model for sustainable livestock management that can be replicated across the country. Similarly, the national peace campaign is an opportunity to build bridges between farmers and herders, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.
As the government moves forward with these initiatives, it will need to maintain a focus on inclusivity, transparency, and stakeholder engagement. The success of the relocation program and the peace campaign will depend on the government’s ability to address the concerns of all parties, provide adequate resources, and communicate its vision effectively. With the right approach, these initiatives have the potential to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector, promote peace, and contribute to the nation’s long-term development goals.
In conclusion, the Federal Government’s plan to relocate cattle from Abuja’s city centre to grazing reserves, coupled with its commitment to a national peace campaign, represents a significant step toward addressing urban disorder, reducing farmer-herder conflicts, and promoting sustainable livestock development. By working with stakeholders like MACBAN, leveraging strategic communication, and investing in infrastructure, the government is paving the way for a more prosperous and peaceful future for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The coming weeks and months will be critical as the government begins to implement these initiatives, and the nation will be watching closely to see the impact of these transformative policies.