1 week Ago By Solomon Odeniyi
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has said that the Federal Government is laying the groundwork for long-term reforms to address the root causes of the persistent farmer-herder conflicts across Nigeria. Speaking on Wednesday at a workshop in Abuja, Maiha—represented by his Special Assistant, Saleh Momale—stated that although the ministry is newly established, it is already developing a strategic framework for interventions aimed at fostering peace and social cohesion. The workshop, organised by the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation in collaboration with the Centre for Population and Environmental Development, focused on the dissemination of research findings on gender, conflict, and pastoralism.
According to the minister, the ministry’s approach includes collaboration with state and local governments, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and international development partners. He said, “The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is just a few months old. At the moment, the strategic framework for interventions and activities of the ministry is being put in place.
One of the pillars is peacebuilding and the promotion of social cohesion. “Through this, the ministry will work with all relevant stakeholders to build consensus for effective resource utilization, promote cooperative resource use, and innovate to provide essential services—including feed, healthcare, and education—to both agricultural and livestock-producing communities.” Maiha noted that such efforts are aimed at fostering increased cooperation, shared benefits, and sustainable economic models that will drive transformation and promote peaceful coexistence.
He also expressed satisfaction with the growing interest from state governments and private sector stakeholders in livestock development initiatives, saying, “We are happy with the progress so far and are optimistic that our stakeholders and citizens will continue to key into these reforms.” Also speaking at the event, the Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs, Rukkaiyatu Ribadu, said the federal government is taking deliberate steps to resettle pastoralists, including the provision of land, education, healthcare, and other essential services. Related News Fuel prices may fall as FEC renews naira-for-crude deal REAN kicks as FG plans solar panels import ban Rivers: FG receives PDP govs’ suit, prepares defence “It will take time, obviously.
You can’t have it resolved overnight. The ministry is quite new, and the minister is doing all he can, as instructed by the President, to do whatever it takes to resolve these clashes,” she said. Ribadu emphasized the need for public advocacy and strategic media engagement to bolster support for ongoing reforms.
“I think the missing link we’re looking at here is advocacy and sensitization,” she said. “Our investment in the media should highlight the positive outcomes of these policies and counter negative narratives.” She also stressed the importance of including women and girls in conflict resolution strategies, noting that their voices and experiences are often overlooked.
“We primarily look at the farmer-herder conflict from the perspective of male fighters, ignoring the fact that females—women and girls—are also affected,” she added. On his part, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Nomadic Education, Professor Bashir Haruna, highlighted the role of education in promoting peace among pastoralist communities. He revealed that nomadic literacy rates have increased from less than 1% to 19% over the past 35 years, with more than 1.
5 million nomadic children now enrolled in school and over 8,000 nomadic schools established across the country. To enhance communication and learning, Haruna said the commission plans to launch a nationwide AM radio station, citing research that shows 99% of nomads rely on radio as their primary source of information. “This is how we will reach our constantly mobile clientele,” he said.
“The station will cover Nigeria and parts of neighbouring countries, ensuring pastoralists are informed and included in national development.”.
