FG, UK Partner to End Farmer-Herder Conflicts, Strengthen Livestock Sector Stability

In a decisive move to tackle the long-standing farmer-herder crisis, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), in collaboration with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) program, has convened a high-level workshop to refine its Five-Year Strategic Plan. 

Source: ThisDay Newspaper

The initiative, backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), aims to develop inclusive, conflict-sensitive solutions for a more stable and productive livestock sector.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders—including government agencies, peace commissions, civil society organizations, academia, and international development partners—to enhance mediation mechanisms, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and grievance management in livestock and agricultural systems.

Declaring the event open, Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, underscored the urgency of establishing structured conflict resolution frameworks to address security challenges in the livestock sector.

“This sector is plagued by conflicts and insecurity, restricting access to key lands, water, and grassland resources across the country,” Maiha stated, emphasizing that peace, security, and social cohesion are central to the ministry’s five-year strategy.

Reaffirming the UK’s commitment to Nigeria’s stability, Magdalene Lagu, Head of Governance and Stability at the British High Commission in Abuja, highlighted the significance of continued collaboration under the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnerships.

The workshop featured in-depth discussions on refining FMLD’s Peacebuilding, Security, and Social Cohesion Pillar to ensure that its initiatives are practical, conflict-sensitive, and aligned with local realities. Participants outlined key strategies to improve dispute resolution, coordinate livestock migration, and foster trust between farming and pastoral communities.

Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Leader of SPRiNG, hailed the workshop’s success as a testament to the dedication of all stakeholders in promoting peace and resilience in Nigeria’s livestock sector.

“We are optimistic that the insights gained will shape effective interventions that mitigate conflicts and drive socio-economic development,” Ukiwo said.

As part of its ongoing commitment, SPRiNG will continue working with FMLD to translate these insights into actionable reforms, implementation frameworks, and monitoring tools—paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future in Nigeria’s livestock industry.