Maiha Commences Infrastructure Dev. For Climate-Smart Grazing Reserves to Enhance Food Security,End Farmers/Herders Clash and Tackle Climate Change
A master piece that aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals on food security, clean energy, and sustainable peace and growth
By Onwe Wisdom| Pan Afric Reporters Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Hon.Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR Renewed Hope Agenda has kicked off the development of climate-smart grazing reserves nationwide as part of a transformative strategy to modernize Nigeria’s livestock sector, boost food security, and phase out open grazing in line with international best practices.
Inspecting ongoing projects at the Kawu Grazing Reserve in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the implementation of the new National Livestock Master Plan.
“Under this initiative, government is constructing motorized solar-powered boreholes, planting improved pastures, and establishing veterinary clinics, schools, and a modern dam in the Kawu reserve,” Maiha explained. He noted that the 9,000-hectare site is expected to host about 30,000 cattle, serving as a model for sustainable livestock villages across the country.
According to the minister, the interventions are designed to “accelerate the relocation of cattle from the streets of Abuja into organized, climate-smart livestock villages,” ensuring improved security, resilience to climate change, and long-term sustainability.
The initiative has attracted strong backing from development partners. The National Project Coordinator of the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in fully realizing the master plan.
Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Abiola Ajimobi, revealed that the Federal Government had secured funding and partnerships with international organizations to guarantee the program’s sustainability.
On the climate front, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, Olumide Fagbuji, stressed the government’s focus on renewable energy. “All energy needs within the grazing reserves will be powered by clean, renewable sources to minimize greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
Herders have also pledged cooperation. The National President of the Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN), Khalil Bello, commended President Tinubu for the bold initiative and promised that pastoralists would safeguard the facilities provided.
Officials emphasized that the climate-smart grazing reserve model directly contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).
By creating jobs, reducing farmer-herder conflicts, improving food security, and cutting carbon emissions, the Federal Government says the initiative positions Nigeria’s livestock sector as a strategic driver of inclusive, sustainable national development.
