Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called on the Federal Government to enact national legislation prohibiting open grazing across Nigeria.
The governor made this appeal on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 1st Benue Livestock Summit in Makurdi. The summit, themed “Re-imagining the Future of Livestock Production in Nigeria for Economic Growth and Self-Sufficiency,” brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural sector.
Governor Alia noted that while crop production has historically dominated Benue State’s agricultural focus, the livestock sector holds significant untapped potential for addressing food insecurity, generating wealth, and contributing substantially to Nigeria’s GDP.
“With the right policies and investments, our livestock sector can transform not just Benue’s economy, but Nigeria’s as a whole,” said Governor Alia.
The Governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, which he believes will bring much-needed attention to livestock issues nationwide.
Reaffirming his commitment to upholding Benue State’s 2017 Anti-Open Grazing and Establishment of Ranches Law (as amended), Alia urged the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to lead national legislative reforms promoting ranching as an alternative to open grazing, which he described as outdated.
The summit aligns with the Benue State Development Plan (BSDP) 2025-2034, which identifies livestock development as a key economic driver for the state’s future.
Governor Alia outlined several initiatives his administration is implementing to boost the livestock sector, including the establishment of the Bureau for Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control to formulate effective policies and programs.
He also announced the strategic adoption of “Pasture as a Fodder Crop” in 2025, aimed at cultivating improved pastures in regions with high livestock populations.
Furthermore, the Governor presented opportunities for public-private partnerships to revitalise existing facilities across Benue, including cattle ranches, breeding centres, and agricultural development projects. Plans are underway to establish ten feed mills and hatcheries in each senatorial district, alongside agricultural training centres to improve extension services to farmers.
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