Nigeria Advances Ranching Plan as NEC Meets in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday led the 156th meeting of the National Economic Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as Nigeria steps up efforts to modernize its livestock sector.

Source: Martytex

The hybrid session, which began at 4:17 p.m., focused on turning grazing reserves into functional ranches, a directive President Bola Tinubu issued in December 2025. The President tasked NEC and the Ministry of Livestock Development with creating a detailed plan for nationwide ranching and livestock reforms.

At the previous NEC meeting in December, a committee was inaugurated to implement the reforms. Chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, the panel includes governors from all six geo-political zones, the Ministers of Livestock Development, Agriculture, Food Security, Budget and Economic Planning, and the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Agribusiness.

The committee’s job is clear: review recommendations from the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee and the Ministry, and identify states ready to participate in the program.

Officials say the reforms aim to end open-grazing conflicts while boosting livestock production across Nigeria. Further updates from Thursday’s session are expected.