The Jigawa State Government has committed N4.5 billion to establish three modern cattle ranches as part of efforts to reduce farmers-herders clashes and strengthen livestock production in the state.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Salim Abdulrahman, disclosed this in an interview in Dutse on Sunday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The project will cover the state’s three senatorial districts, with facilities intended to support pastoralist households, improve cattle management and provide more organised livestock settlements.
Abdulrahman said the N4.5 billion project forms part of the N17.2 billion earmarked for livestock development in Jigawa State’s 2026 fiscal year.
He identified the proposed locations as Sankara Grazing Reserve in Ringim, Kashamai Grazing Reserve in Kafin Hausa and Kukar Mekiya in Kiyawa.
The ranches will also have pasture and water points to improve access to animal feed and essential resources.
The commissioner said organised livestock settlements would help reduce frequent clashes between farmers and herders by improving cattle management.
The government is also expanding veterinary healthcare services as part of the wider livestock development programme. Its plans include veterinary clinics across all 27 local government areas, seven zonal veterinary clinics and a central referral veterinary centre.
The Jigawa project comes amid calls from livestock industry stakeholders for cattle breeders to move away from traditional cattle rearing towards organised ranching.
Abdullahi Abubakar, National Deputy Treasurer of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Bauchi State, said modern livestock management could help address recurring conflicts between farmers and herders.
Abubakar said modern ranching would improve animal welfare, reduce indiscriminate cattle movement and minimise crop destruction and disputes between farming and herding communities.
Jigawa’s investment is part of a wider push to modernise livestock production and address recurring conflicts between farmers and herders.
The Federal Government has also outlined plans for communal ranching and other reforms aimed at improving productivity and integrating livestock into the national economy.
In March 2025, the Federal Government announced a partnership with Brazilian firm JBJ Brazil to establish a 100,000-hectare cattle ranch in Niger State, with capacity for 100,000 bulls. Niger State also pledged 1.2 million hectares to support livestock development.
