FG Kicks Off Pilot Grazing Reserves to Drive Livestock Reform and Rural Stability

Nigeria’s livestock reform agenda has moved from policy to action as the Federal Government begins a phased development of grazing reserves, starting with pilot projects in Gombe, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative is designed as a nationwide model that blends federal leadership with state collaboration and private-sector investment.

Officials at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development say the step-by-step approach reflects the sheer scale of the task, with more than 400 grazing reserves spread across the country. Work is already underway at Wawa-Zange in Gombe State, Wase in Plateau State and Kawu in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja, where the pilots are expected to demonstrate what modern, well-managed grazing reserves can look like.

Beyond livestock production, the project is being shaped as a full rural development programme aimed at improving the quality of life for pastoral communities. Plans at the pilot sites include access roads, public schools for pastoralist children and functional healthcare services, underscoring the government’s intention to integrate social infrastructure into livestock settlements.

Housing and clean energy are also central to the pilots, with a solar power project already signed for the Kawu grazing reserve and expected to be replicated elsewhere. Water access is being addressed through boreholes and the planned desilting of existing water bodies, reflecting the high infrastructure demands of transforming grazing areas into viable, modern settlements.

Funding for the initiative is being shared to ease pressure on the federal purse, with state governments and private investors expected to play active roles. Officials say once basic infrastructure is in place, private-sector participation in areas such as abattoirs and processing facilities will accelerate, turning the reserves into economically productive hubs.

The grazing reserve programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader push to modernise livestock production, strengthen rural security and reduce violent conflict. By transitioning from open grazing to structured ranching systems, the government aims to curb farmer–herder clashes, unlock new economic opportunities and create safer, more sustainable environments for pastoralists and host communities alike.