Several Nigerian States Embrace Ranching Plans as Sustainable Fix to Deadly Farmer-Herder Clashes

 

Efforts to resolve Nigeria’s long-standing and deadly farmer-herder clashes are gaining momentum as eleven states take steps toward the implementation of ranching. From the North to the South, state governments are either allocating land, developing modern infrastructure, or fine-tuning legal frameworks to support the shift away from open grazing.

These moves come in the wake of renewed violence in Benue and Plateau states, reigniting national debate on land use and grazing rights. President Bola Tinubu recently described the killings as orchestrated land-grabbing campaigns, reinforcing the urgency for a nationwide response.

Punch reports that Lagos, Plateau, Ondo, Zamfara, Bauchi, Delta, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Anambra are at different stages of readiness to adopt ranching systems. These initiatives vary from legislative action and infrastructure planning to land donation for livestock settlements.

Lagos State is leading the southern pack, backed by an already active anti-open grazing law. According to Emmanuel Audu, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, the state has embarked on developing its own ranches. He noted that Lagos is open to collaborations with the Federal Government and private stakeholders alike.

Anambra State remains equally firm in its stance against open grazing. Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, reaffirmed that the anti-open grazing law remains intact. He emphasized the state's alignment with federal agricultural goals, citing Governor Soludo’s role on the President’s economic team as an indication of support.

Ondo State has established two ranches and encourages private sector involvement. An aide to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Akinsola Wemimo, disclosed that while no federal funds have been received for ranching, the state is not deterred. “We are open to investment and solutions that reduce conflict,” he stated.

Despite strong support from government circles, public sentiment in some quarters is mixed. In Lagos, residents like Emmanuel Sanusi have welcomed ranching as a path to peace and food security. He believes the structured approach will ease tensions and enhance safety in farming regions. On the flip side, voices like Adebayo Adedeji of Ifako Ijaiye caution that Lagos may lack the spatial capacity to sustain large-scale ranching operations, given its dense population and infrastructure layout.

In Anambra, land allocation for ranching has sparked suspicion among some community members. Human rights activist Dr Okey Ifeanyi questioned the government’s involvement in what he described as a “private commercial venture.” He argued that ranching primarily benefits cattle owners and should not consume public resources or land.

Northern states are showing notable readiness as well. Zamfara’s Special Assistant on Media, Mustafa Jafaru, stated that the state is willing to provide land for ranching. He stressed the need for urgent action due to the ongoing devastation caused by herders-farmers conflicts. Nasarawa State has already earmarked 22,000 hectares in Awe Local Government Area for a ranching hub, with Governor Abdullahi Sule urging accelerated implementation in other states.

Plateau State is upgrading its livestock systems through partnerships with the Federal Government. Yiljap Abraham, adviser to the governor, revealed details of the Wase Grazing Lot project. He described the initiative as both an economic resilience measure and a step toward long-term peace.

Not all states are rushing to adopt ranching. Benue State, which has long been on the frontlines of grazing-related violence, remains cautious. Commissioner Mathew Abo clarified that the government is still debating whether to provide land for federal ranching programs. Edo State is in a similar position, with no official policy yet in place, although there is conceptual support for ranching. Gold Igbodu, an aide to Governor Monday Okpebholo, mentioned that discussions are ongoing.

Kwara State is experimenting with a hybrid approach that blends ranching with borehole-supported pastoral systems. The government is currently setting up feed-processing units and water infrastructure for Fulani settlements, hoping to reduce friction over land and resources.

States such as Oyo, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom are focusing on enforcement of anti-open grazing laws. Oyo State’s Agriculture Commissioner, Olasunkanmi Olaleye, reported multiple arrests and prosecutions of violators. The government is also improving security around farm settlements to protect both crops and farmers.

Voices from Gombe and Akwa Ibom suggest growing public backing for ranching. Farmer Halima Mohammed noted that well-managed ranches could offer employment opportunities while easing pressure on communal lands.

However, Gombe State recently experienced fresh violence. Two days of clashes in Billiri Local Government Area left two people dead and substantial crop damage. Christina Anthony, a local resident, recounted how the conflict began after a herder allegedly robbed a farmer en route to his field. This led to retaliation, destruction, and further loss of life.

As states move at varying speeds toward ranching, the complexity of balancing traditional lifestyles, land rights, and modern agricultural practices remains a significant challenge. Yet, the trend suggests a growing recognition that structured ranching may offer a viable path toward lasting peace and food security in Nigeria’s agrarian zones.