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The economic and security benefits of ranching reform, By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi

Naija News • 1h ago
The economic and security benefits of ranching reform, By Mukhtar Ya’u Madobi
**Transforming Livestock: Why Nigeria Needs Comprehensive Ranching Reforms** Nigeria's President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has recently reiterated his administration's commitment to overhauling the country's livestock sector through comprehensive ranching reforms. This move is not just a response to the recurring farmer-herder crisis but a strategic step towards economic revitalization and national security. At the National Economic Council (NEC) conference in Abuja, the President emphasized the importance of integrating dairy farming, livestock investment, ranch development, and agricultural diversification into a broader economic transformation agenda. This vision is a departure from the traditional, informal livestock system that has hindered Nigeria's economic growth for years. The President's directive to Vice President Kashim Shettima and NEC members to develop a comprehensive roadmap for ranching reform is a significant step towards modernizing the livestock sector. By selecting Kwara State as the pilot for the national ranching policy, the Federal Government aims to demonstrate the benefits of structured reforms, including improved productivity, enhanced infrastructure, and reduced conflict. **The Economics of Ranching** Ranching offers a strategic pathway to transition Nigeria's informal livestock system into a modern, regulated, and high-yield industry. By transforming livestock rearing into a structured, commercially viable enterprise, ranching can increase productivity and value addition. Improved feeding systems, veterinary services, disease management, and selective breeding can enhance output in both meat and dairy production. This, in turn, can improve Nigeria's competitiveness in domestic and regional markets while reducing reliance on imported dairy and meat products. Moreover, ranching can create new economic opportunities for rural communities, generating employment and income for thousands of Nigerians. **Security Benefits of Ranching** Beyond its economic benefits, ranching can also contribute significantly to national security. By providing a structured system for nomadic pastoralists, ranching can reduce the likelihood of conflicts between herders and farmers. Improved infrastructure and veterinary services can also help to prevent the spread of diseases that can affect both humans and animals. In conclusion, the adoption of comprehensive ranching reforms is a strategic move by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to revitalize Nigeria's livestock sector and promote national security. By investing in ranching, Nigeria can unlock new economic opportunities, reduce conflict, and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians.
Source: Original Article. AI-enhanced version.