The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming Plateau State into a major livestock production, research and peacebuilding hub in Nigeria. The initiative focuses on strategic investments in ranching, feedlot development, dairy production, grazing reserve rehabilitation, and expansion of livestock value chains across the state. The Minister……
The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at transforming Plateau State into a major livestock production, research and peacebuilding hub in Nigeria.
The initiative focuses on strategic investments in ranching, feedlot development, dairy production, grazing reserve rehabilitation, and expansion of livestock value chains across the state.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this on Monday in Jos at a Livestock Stakeholders Meeting held on Monday, June 15, 2026.
This was contained in a statement by Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Livestock Development, Henrietta Okokon, on Monday.
Maiha described Plateau State as a historic centre of livestock innovation and veterinary excellence, urging stakeholders to leverage its comparative advantage to drive economic growth, job creation, food security and peacebuilding.
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He also expressed condolences to the government and people of Plateau State over recent security challenges and loss of lives, while stressing the need to promote economic activities that foster unity and shared prosperity.
According to him, Plateau State hosts key livestock institutions, including the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) and the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, which have positioned the state as a long-standing hub for livestock research and training.
The minister revealed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Defence Headquarters, is working to advance the National Ranching Policy and develop a modern ranch on about 30,000 hectares within the Wase Grazing Reserve.
He said the project is expected to boost livestock productivity, reduce farmer-herder conflicts linked to open grazing, and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of residents.
Maiha also announced plans to promote feedlot development across Plateau, noting that the state has strong potential to become a regional hub for cattle, sheep, goat and pig fattening enterprises.
He added that efforts are ongoing to modernise livestock infrastructure, including the expansion of abattoirs capable of processing up to 500 cattle and 500 pigs daily.
Highlighting investment opportunities in the sector, the minister identified commercial pasture cultivation, dairy production, homestead dairy enterprises, sheep and goat fattening, piggery development and livestock waste management as priority areas for private sector participation.
He stressed that livestock development should be seen as a commercial enterprise capable of driving rural transformation, poverty reduction and social stability.
“Livestock is central to national food security, job creation, wealth creation, and social stability. The future of livestock in Plateau should be organised, scientific, inclusive, peaceful, and profitable,” the minister said.
Maiha called on the Plateau State Government, local councils, development partners, financial institutions, private investors, traditional rulers and community leaders to collaborate in creating an enabling environment for sustainable livestock development.
He urged stakeholders to seize the opportunity to reposition Plateau as Nigeria’s leading livestock enterprise hub, capable of boosting national food supply, empowering women and youths, attracting investment and promoting peaceful coexistence.
