The Federal Government's renewed push to establish estate-based livestock ranches has generated mixed reactions among stakeholders, with some comparing the proposal to the previously abandoned RUGA programme.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, said the initiative is aimed at modernising livestock production, promoting rural development and creating about 7,000 direct jobs.
According to the minister, the programme will support growth in the dairy, red meat and leather sectors while encouraging sustainable livestock management.
However, some stakeholders have raised concerns over land availability and the role of government in funding ranch development.
Public affairs analyst Jide Ojo supported the move away from open grazing but said livestock production is a private business and operators should legally acquire land for ranching.
A livestock farmer, Atiku Abdullahi, also welcomed the initiative but expressed concerns about how easily pastoralists would adapt to ranching after years of practising open grazing.
The proposed ranching programme is part of the Federal Government's broader efforts to expand Nigeria's livestock industry and improve economic opportunities in the sector.
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