The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has revealed that the Federal Government is laying a strategic foundation to address the root causes of persistent farmer-herder conflicts across Nigeria through long-term reforms and inclusive policies.
Speaking on Wednesday at a workshop in Abuja, Maiha represented by his Special Assistant, Saleh Momal stated that although the ministry is newly created, it is already developing a framework that prioritizes peacebuilding, social cohesion, and inclusive service delivery for livestock and agricultural communities.
The workshop, jointly organised by the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation and the Centre for Population and Environmental Development, focused on research findings related to gender, conflict, and pastoralism.
According to the minister, the ministry’s strategy involves collaboration with state and local governments, traditional institutions, civil society, and development partners to build consensus around cooperative resource use and effective service delivery in areas such as feed supply, healthcare, and education.
“These efforts aim to foster shared benefits and sustainable models of coexistence, ultimately driving economic transformation and lasting peace,” he stated.
Maiha expressed satisfaction with the growing support from state governments and the private sector, noting that their engagement is vital to the success of ongoing reforms.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs, Rukkaiyatu Ribadu, confirmed that government efforts include the resettlement of pastoralist communities, backed by investments in land, education, healthcare, and other essential services.
She underscored the need for robust public advocacy and strategic media engagement to amplify the positive impacts of these initiatives and counteract negative narratives.
“The missing link is advocacy and sensitization,” Ribadu said. “The media must spotlight the outcomes of government policies while ensuring the inclusion of women and girls whose experiences are often ignored in conflict resolution.”
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Nomadic Education, Professor Bashir Haruna, emphasized the vital role of education in promoting peace among pastoralist communities.
He noted that nomadic literacy rates have grown from under 1% to 19% over the last 35 years, with over 1.5 million nomadic children currently enrolled in more than 8,000 schools nationwide.
To further strengthen outreach, Haruna announced plans to launch a dedicated AM radio station targeted at nomads, explaining that 99% of them rely on radio as their primary information source.
“The station will span Nigeria and parts of neighbouring countries, serving as a powerful tool for education, inclusion, and national integration,” he said.
