As part of a new national strategy to resolve the long-standing farmer–herder conflict, President Bola Tinubu has asked herders to surrender illegal weapons and embrace modern ranching.
In a statement on Wednesday, the President stressed that the Federal Government is prioritising sustainable solutions to curb violent clashes between herders and farming communities, which have fueled insecurity across northern and central Nigeria.
“Ranching is the way forward for sustainable livestock production and national harmony”, Tinubu said, urging herder associations to take advantage of government initiatives, end open grazing, and voluntarily hand over firearms.
He also called on mosques, churches, and other religious institutions in vulnerable communities to collaborate with security agencies to ensure the safety of worshippers during prayers and gatherings.
Highlighting the creation of the Ministry of Livestock as a key part of his administration’s long-term plan, Tinubu encouraged herders to work with the ministry to modernize livestock operations, adopt ranch-based farming, and reduce conflicts over land use.
The President noted that disputes between farmers and herders, often stemming from land encroachment and grazing routes, have been a major driver of insecurity, particularly in the Middle Belt. He said the new livestock policy is designed to protect both farmers and herders while fostering peaceful coexistence and national stability.
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