The Federal Government has announced plans to relocate cattle roaming the streets of Abuja to designated grazing reserves, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Maiha, disclosed this on Tuesday during the 2025 Media Retreat held in Kaduna under the theme “Driving Livestock Growth through Strategic Communication.”
According to him, the ministry is preparing to launch a nationwide peace campaign in the coming weeks, aimed at ending recurring farmer-herder conflicts and promoting sustainable coexistence.
“Soon, the ministry will embark on a national peace campaign to strengthen harmony among farmers, herders, organized groups, and communities. Just last Friday, we held a constructive meeting with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) as part of our strategy to move livestock from the Abuja city centre into approved grazing reserves,” he stated.
Maiha stressed the importance of commitment from state governments in achieving lasting peace, emphasizing that stability in rural areas is critical for food production, employment, and national security.
“We cannot continue to lose members of our armed forces to criminal elements. Together with security agencies, we are working to silence the guns. Our vision is for Nigeria to produce truckloads of milk, not armoured carriers. Milking machines should take the place of machine guns,” he added.
The minister described the livestock sector as a key driver of wealth creation, job opportunities, and food security. He noted that the ministry’s focus over the next five years is to deliver policies and programmes that will strengthen the industry and support rural stability.
Speaking further on the role of the media, Maiha highlighted the importance of strategic communication in advancing government initiatives.
“Your work has been instrumental in shaping public understanding of our policies and influencing the responses of farmers, herders, investors, and other stakeholders. We urge you to continue using your platforms to project the sector positively,” he said.
Also addressing participants, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi—represented by Dr. Victor Egbon, Director of Ruminants and Monogastric Development—stated that communication plays a central role in fostering trust and shaping public perceptions.
“The media is vital in interpreting policies, reporting developments, and conveying realities to both Nigerians and the global community. Through this partnership, we can tackle challenges in the sector and harness the opportunities available. This retreat is designed to build your capacity to cover the livestock sector more effectively and strengthen collaboration with the ministry,” Akujobi said.