Group calls for urgent implementation of structured ranching reform

According to the group, resistance to ranching reform in some quarters stems largely from misinformation rather than outright opposition. It said many farmers fear possible displacement, while herders worry about abandoning traditional open grazing practices.

“Our engagements across communities reveal that the majority of stakeholders are not fundamentally opposed to ranching reform. The core challenge is inadequate consultation, engagement, and public sensitization,” YADI said.

The group emphasized that reforming Nigeria’s livestock sector is essential for economic revitalization. It noted that the Federal Government has disclosed that the sector currently contributes over $32 billion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and, under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (2025–2030), could grow to between $74 billion and $94 billion within a decade if properly structured.

Drawing global comparisons, YADI highlighted that Brazil recorded approximately $9.3 billion in beef exports in 2024, while the United States and Australia exported $7.2 billion and $8 billion worth of beef, respectively. Uruguay, it added, earned $2.85 billion from high-quality, traceable beef production within the same period.

In contrast, Nigeria—despite having about 20 million cattle and ranking among the top 15 globally—generated only $172,000 from cow exports in 2024, $1.15 million from live animal exports in 2021, and less than $200,000 from meat and edible offal exports.

“These figures underscore the vast economic potential being forfeited due to poorly structured and inefficient livestock management systems,” the statement added.

YADI argued that modern ranching would enhance revenue generation, strengthen foreign exchange stability, create jobs across the livestock value chain, and improve productivity through controlled breeding, veterinary supervision, and improved genetics.

It further stated that structured ranching would deepen financial inclusion by enabling registered ranches to access bank credit, insurance products, agritech innovations, and public-private partnerships, thereby expanding the national tax base and reducing economic leakages.

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On security, the group described ranching as a critical national intervention, saying designated ranching zones would reduce farmland encroachment, improve livestock traceability, strengthen surveillance, and limit criminal infiltration often associated with unregulated transhumance routes.

“Structured ranching introduces order, accountability, and spatial clarity into livestock management, reinforcing territorial control and contributing to sustainable peace,” YADI stated.

The organisation stressed that ranching reform is not a cultural eradication policy or land-grab agenda but a development-oriented strategy aimed at modernizing livestock production while preserving livelihoods and social cohesion.

For successful implementation, YADI advocated inclusive stakeholder engagement involving pastoral associations, farmers’ groups, traditional rulers, state governments, youth organizations, and civil society.

It also called for nationwide public sensitization campaigns, transparent land tenure processes, infrastructure development, and incentive-driven voluntary adoption through access to credit, livestock insurance, subsidized feed, and guaranteed market linkages.

“Ranching reform represents a strategic lever for economic empowerment, food security, environmental sustainability, and national peace,” the group stated.

YADI urged federal and state governments, development partners, and the general public to unite behind what it described as a transformative national agenda.

“With adequate information, inclusive dialogue, and transparent implementation, ranching reform can become a unifying national project rather than a divisive debate. The time to act is now".