The federal government, through the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has described ranching as a viable, scalable, and already existing component of Nigeria’s livestock ecosystem, following an inspection tour of Manchong Integrated Farms Limited in Nasarawa State.
The Minister led a delegation to the farm on Thursday, 19 December 2025, and spoke after touring the expansive facility. He expressed satisfaction with what he called a practical demonstration of modern livestock production, feed and fodder development, and genetic resource management. He noted that despite the dry season, the farm maintains lush green pastures supported by a natural stream used for irrigation.
Mukhtar explained that the facility clearly shows how ranching works in practice. He said ranching involves confining animals within a defined space while ensuring adequate feed, water, and proper management. According to him, the farm sustains lush Mombasa, Napier, and Brachiaria grasses even in the dry season, houses over 300 cattle covering major beef and dairy breeds, and produces surplus feed every year.
He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development would partner with Manchong Integrated Farms on feed and fodder seed production, as well as genetic improvement initiatives. Mukhtar noted that the farm is already supplying fodder to states such as Jigawa and Yobe, adding that the model could be expanded nationwide. He said this could grow into a national fodder supermarket, allowing small scale livestock owners to order feed remotely.
On genetic improvement, the Minister said the farm would serve as a pilot centre for breeding programmes. He said, “For most of the genetic materials we intend to introduce into the country, we will first work with this farm to produce offsprings that can then be multiplied and propagated across Nigeria. This makes the farm a lighthouse and a pilot that has demonstrated beyond doubt that this can be done,” he stated.
Earlier, the owner of the farm, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, commended the Minister for adopting a hands on approach and engaging directly with farmers on the field rather than limiting policy discussions to conference halls. He said the farm was established to demonstrate that ranching is a practical solution to recurring farmer herder conflicts, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Dogara said, “We wanted to show our people that ranching is not a far fetched idea. If we replicate this model across Nigeria, we can address insecurity, promote peace, and unlock massive economic opportunities.”
He further highlighted the economic potential of the livestock sector, noting that the global dairy and beef market is valued at about $2.5 trillion, with northern Nigeria holding over 70 per cent of the nation’s livestock population. According to him, “Even if Nigeria captures just five to ten per cent of this market, that is about $25 billion annually. The potential is huge, but we must move from talk to investment.”
Also speaking during the visit, a livestock business partner to the Botswana Embassy in Abuja, Clinton Agbo, described Manchong Integrated Farms as an excellent centre suitable for international collaboration. He said, “This is my second visit here, including one with the Botswana High Commissioner. We see this farm as an ideal place to commence a pilot scheme. The High Commissioner views this as a Pan African effort where Botswana can support and Nigerians can lead, for the benefit of Africa.”
