Eleven states in Nigeria are set to commence ranching as a way to address the long-standing violent clashes between herders and farmers, which have resulted in significant loss of life. The states, including Lagos, Plateau, Ondo, Zamfara, Bauchi, Delta, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Anambra, are allocating land, developing policies, or pledging to support the initiative as a viable business venture.
This development comes amid a surge in killings in Benue and Plateau communities linked to armed herders. President Bola Tinubu has attributed the incidents to land-grabbing and vowed to pursue the perpetrators. Lagos State has already begun developing its ranching system, with the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Emmanuel Audu, stating that the state is open to collaboration with the Federal Government and other stakeholders.
The state has a law prohibiting open grazing, and the ranching project, which started over three years ago, aims to promote a more structured and peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers. Other states are expected to follow suit, potentially reducing conflicts and promoting economic development.