By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called on the Federal Government to enact national legislation prohibiting open grazing.
Gov. Alia made the call on Thursday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital during the opening of the 1st Benue Livestock Summit themed “Re-imagining the Future of Livestock Production in Nigeria for Economic Growth and Self-Sufficiency.”
The Governor highlighted the significance of the livestock sector, historically outweighed by crop production in Benue. He pointed out that with the right policies and investments, livestock development could withstand food insecurity, advance wealth generation, and contribute substantially to Nigeria’s GDP.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, which he believes will bring essential consideration to the livestock community.
According to the Governor, the summit associates with the Benue State Development Plan (BSDP) 2025–2034, showcasing the potentiality of the livestock sector to transform the state’s economy and build up self-sufficiency.
Further reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the sustainability of the Anti Open Grazing and Establishment of Ranches law of Benue State (2017) as amended, the Governor urged the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to spearhead national legislative reforms that promote ranching and move away from outdated methods of open grazing.
He summarized ambitious plans to boost livestock development as a priority within his administration, introducing the Bureau for Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control. This bureau aims to promote effective policies and programs in the sector.
He also announced the strategic adoption of “Pasture as a Fodder Crop” in 2025, which seeks to cultivate improved pastures for regions with high livestock populations.
Additionally, Governor Alia submitted a thorough list of remaining facilities in Benue that could be revitalized through public-private partnerships, including cattle ranches, breeding centers, and agricultural development projects. He revealed policies to establish ten feed mills and hatcheries in each senatorial district, alongside agricultural training centers to bridge the void between extension workers and farmers.
