13th August, 2025 – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector through sustainable pasture cultivation, describing it as the foundation for improved animal nutrition, higher productivity, and peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers.
Speaking during the inaugural National Pasture Planting Day at the Kawu Grazing Reserve, Bwari Area Council, FCT, on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the initiative is a strategic step toward securing the future of livestock production in the country.
“The National Pasture Planting Day is a vital part of our renewed strategy to modernize livestock production in Nigeria. As we gather on this fertile land in Kawu, we are reminded of the urgent need to shift to more sustainable and productive models for pasture and fodder that benefit both pastoralists and farmers, while also safeguarding our environment,” he stated.
The Minister described grazing reserves such as Kawu as hubs of opportunity for pasture and crop production, breed improvement, veterinary health services, conflict mitigation, youth employment, women empowerment through organized milk production, and food security.
He noted that the Kawu community, which comprises 36 villages and covers about 9,000 hectares, is expected to benefit significantly from the programme.
Mukhtar disclosed that under the National Pasture Development Programme, the Ministry has achieved significant milestones this year, including the release and registration of eight new pasture varieties into Nigeria’s national seed system.
He added that other ongoing interventions include the training of herders and extension officers, establishment of pasture seed banks and feedlots, installation of irrigation and water harvesting systems, and research collaborations with universities, the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), and international agencies to develop high-yielding, drought-tolerant pasture species.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, represented by the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, assured that the FCT administration is committed to providing infrastructure in Kawu.
He said modernising the grazing reserve would create jobs and boost meat and milk production, thereby supporting economic growth and food security.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, represented by the Director of Ranch and Pastoral Resources Development, Mr. Shekamang Ayuba, noted that pasture planting would not only improve feed availability but also promote environmental restoration, reduce conflicts, and support the livelihoods of livestock farmers.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of SAHEL Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Ltd., NAPRI, pastoralist associations, and cooperatives, all pledging support for the initiative.
They described it as an important step towards modernising livestock production and improving rural livelihoods.
The event concluded with the symbolic planting of pasture seedlings by both Ministers, witnessed by officials of the Ministry, community leaders, and livestock farmers.