The Federal Government has reaffirmed ranching as the foundation of Nigeria’s long-term livestock development agenda, following an inspection visit by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, to Manchong Integrated Farms Limited in Nasarawa State.
The Minister, who led senior officials of the ministry and key stakeholders to the facility, said the farm provides practical evidence that modern ranching is achievable, scalable and environmentally sustainable under Nigeria’s ecological conditions.
Maiha noted that the operation demonstrates an integrated livestock system that combines structured animal management, year-round feed and fodder production, water management and genetic improvement.
He observed that the farm maintained green pastures despite the dry season, countering prevailing assumptions that ranching is constrained by climate and geography.
He explained that the facility cultivates improved grasses such as Mombasa, Napier and Brachiaria, manages over 300 cattle across beef and dairy breeds, and produces surplus feed annually.
Based on these outcomes, the Minister disclosed plans for the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to collaborate with the farm on fodder seed production and genetic improvement initiatives.
According to him, the farm’s existing supply of fodder to states including Jigawa and Yobe positions it as a viable hub for scaling a national feed system that would support small-scale livestock producers, enhance productivity and stabilise the livestock value chain.
Maiha also revealed that the facility would serve as a pilot centre for planned breeding programmes under the ministry’s reform agenda, noting that new genetic materials would be first developed and multiplied at the farm before nationwide distribution.
Earlier, the owner of Manchong Integrated Farms, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said the project was designed to demonstrate ranching as a practical solution to farmer–herder conflicts, particularly in northern Nigeria.
He stressed that replicating the model could reduce insecurity, promote peaceful coexistence and unlock significant economic opportunities.
Dogara highlighted the economic potential of the sector, noting that the global dairy and beef market is valued at about 2.5 trillion dollars, while northern Nigeria accounts for over 70 per cent of the country’s livestock population.
He said capturing even a fraction of the global market could generate substantial revenue for Nigeria.
Also speaking, a livestock business partner to the Botswana Embassy in Abuja, Mr Clinton Agbo, described the farm as a strong platform for international collaboration, noting that discussions were ongoing to establish a pilot programme with a Pan-African outlook led by Nigerian stakeholders.
