Tinubu vows to deliver ranching livestock reforms to end conflicts
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector by introducing comprehensive ranching and livestock reforms designed to reduce violent conflicts between farmers and herders, stimulate economic growth and bolster national security. Speaking on Monday at the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference in Abuja, the President said livestock reform and ranching are central to ending the cycle of clashes that have destabilised many rural communities across Nigeria. 
The President used the gathering of governors, ministers and key stakeholders at the State House Conference Centre to outline his administration’s plan for tackling the persistent farmers–herders conflicts, which have become a major source of insecurity, displacement and economic disruption. In his remarks, Tinubu vowed that ranching, livestock reforms to end conflicts and livestock investment will be central to the drive for peace and sustainable development. 
Livestock Reform as a National Priority
At the opening of the two-day NEC conference, Tinubu said he expects actionable resolutions on ranching, livestock investment and agricultural diversification that will eventually lead to a more structured and peaceful livestock sector. “I’m confident that the resolution of this conference will include dairy farming, livestock investment, ranches and diversification of our agricultural produce,” he said. “I promise you here, I will play my part. I promise Nigeria that this will be delivered.” 
The government’s push for ranching and livestock reforms is not just about modernising agricultural practices; it is a strategic attempt to reduce violent clashes and enhance national security. Tinubu directly linked the ranching, livestock reforms to end conflicts with the need to combat banditry and terrorism, which he described as “economic hindrances” that must be addressed alongside reforms in the livestock sector. 
From Open Grazing to Ranching
For years, rural Nigeria has grappled with escalating violence between nomadic herders and sedentary farmers, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions. These conflicts are rooted in disputes over land, grazing rights and water sources, and have been exacerbated by climate pressures and population growth. The situation has often spiralled into communal violence, loss of lives, and large-scale displacement. 
In response, the President’s livestock reform agenda seeks to move away from traditional open grazing — a practice that has been a flashpoint for conflict — towards a ranching model that confines livestock within designated areas managed and regulated to ensure safety, productivity and sustainability. This approach mirrors long-standing policy discussions on the need to reform grazing systems in Nigeria and stems from past initiatives like the Ruga policy, which was intended to create reserved communities for herders. 
A key element of the reforms is the development of ranches and livestock settlements across the country, especially in areas historically affected by clashes. At a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in December 2025, Tinubu directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and other leaders to identify grazing reserves that could be rehabilitated into modern ranches and livestock settlement centres. 
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Economic and Security Rationale
Tinubu argued that livestock reform is not merely about reducing conflict but also about unlocking economic opportunities in agriculture and rural development. Properly managed ranching, he said, would attract investment, create jobs, and contribute to food security. If livestock reform can turn cattle farming into a profitable economic venture, it may also reduce the incentives for young Nigerians to join criminal groups out of economic necessity. 
“We must eliminate these areas of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable. The opportunity is there, let’s utilise it,” the President said. He also pledged stronger security support to ensure that terrorism and banditry — problems often intertwined with rural conflicts — are addressed with determination and resilience. 
Inclusive and Collaborative Approach
To fast-track the implementation of ranching and livestock reforms, Tinubu’s administration has taken practical steps beyond public admonitions. Following his December 10 directive, the NEC inaugurated a Livestock Development Committee chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, bringing together representatives from all six geopolitical zones to harmonise the strategy and champion reforms nationwide. 
This collaborative approach recognises that livestock reform must have the buy-in of state governments, rural communities, private investors and security agencies. The committee is tasked with identifying villages and grazing areas suitable for ranch development, sensitising stakeholders, and recommending frameworks that make ranching attractive and sustainable for herders and farmers alike. 
Interior Minister Idi Muktar Maiha has also been charged with identifying and rehabilitating grazing corridors and potential ranch sites, while the Vice President and NEC are expected to engage governors and other stakeholders on implementation modalities. 
Challenges and Public Debate
Despite official enthusiasm, the vision of ranching, livestock reforms to end conflicts has been met with mixed reactions among Nigerians. Some rural groups and agricultural experts are cautiously optimistic, seeing ranching as a long-term solution to entrenched insecurity. They argue that ranching can reduce friction, improve animal health through controlled environments, and help integrate livestock farming into the broader agricultural economy. 
Others, however, point out the challenges in executing such a massive transformation. Critics ask whether enough land, infrastructure and financing are available to construct viable ranches that can accommodate large cattle populations. They also raise concerns about potential displacement of pastoral communities who have depended on traditional grazing routes for generations. These debates highlight the need for careful planning, community engagement and legal frameworks that respect both livelihoods and public safety. 
Experts stress that while ranching could dramatically reduce livestock-related violence, it must be accompanied by complementary measures such as improved veterinary services, credit facilities for herders, and clear land-use policies that protect both farmers and pastoralists. 
Long-Term Aspirations
The aspiration behind ranching, livestock reforms to end conflicts aligns with broader goals of diversifying Nigeria’s agricultural sector, boosting food production, and promoting peace in rural areas. If successful, the reforms could serve as a model for other West African nations grappling with similar herder-farmer tensions — a problem that has repeatedly flared into violence with significant human and economic costs. 
For now, the immediate challenge lies in translating policy into action. Ensuring that identified ranch sites are developed promptly, that livestock systems become attractive and economically viable to practitioners, and that security integration supports rather than hinders rural peace will be critical tests for Tinubu’s livestock reform agenda. 
Looking Ahead
President Tinubu’s vow to deliver ranching, livestock reforms to end conflicts marks one of the most ambitious attempts by a Nigerian government to tackle the twin challenges of rural insecurity and agricultural underdevelopment. With strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration and sustained political will, the reforms could redefine the livestock economy, create new pathways to peace, and reshape the agricultural landscape of Africa’s most populous nation.
Tinubu vows to deliver ranching livestock reforms to end conflicts
