By Agboola Aluko Olokun, reporting for GLiDE NEWS
T he Federal Government says it is embarking on a comprehensive strategy to tackle the deep-seated causes of farmer-herder clashes that have plagued Nigeria for decades, with newly minted structures aimed at promoting long-term peace, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the administration is laying the foundation for a new era of livestock and agricultural harmony. Represented by his Special Assistant, Saleh Momale, the minister noted that though the ministry is still in its infancy, its mission is ambitious—anchored on peacebuilding, resource sharing, and inclusive growth.
“The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development is just a few months old,” he said. “But we are already putting in place a strategic framework that prioritizes social cohesion and collaborative development between farmers and pastoralists.”
The event—organized by the Fulbe Development and Cultural Organisation in partnership with the Centre for Population and Environmental Development—brought together experts, government officials, and civil society to share research on gender, conflict, and pastoralism.
A New Blueprint for Harmony
Maiha emphasized that the ministry’s interventions will focus on consensus building, equitable resource use, and the provision of critical services—such as feed, veterinary care, and education—to both farming and herding communities.
“Through this, we aim to promote cooperation, shared economic benefits, and a peaceful transformation of the agricultural sector,” he explained.
He praised the growing interest of state governments and private investors in the livestock sector, expressing optimism that more Nigerians would buy into the vision.
Presidential Push and Gender Inclusion
Also addressing the gathering, Rukkaiyatu Ribadu, the Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs, revealed that President Tinubu had instructed the livestock ministry to do “whatever it takes” to resolve the crisis.
She said ongoing government initiatives include resettlement programs for pastoralists, provision of land, education, and healthcare. But she cautioned that lasting change will require time, advocacy, and grassroots buy-in.
“There’s a need for strategic media engagement to highlight the positive outcomes of these reforms,” Ribadu stated. “Public perception matters, and we need to counter harmful narratives.”
Ribadu also called attention to the often-ignored role of women and girls in the farmer-herder crisis, urging their inclusion in peacebuilding efforts.
Education as a Peace Tool
Professor Bashir Haruna, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Nomadic Education, underscored the role of literacy in conflict reduction. According to him, nomadic literacy has risen from less than 1% to 19% in the past three decades, with over 1.5 million nomadic children now enrolled in school nationwide.
To enhance outreach, the commission is set to launch a dedicated AM radio station to broadcast across Nigeria and neighbouring countries—leveraging the fact that 99% of nomads depend on radio for news.
“This is how we will reach our mobile clientele,” Haruna said. “Education is our most powerful tool for long-term peace.”
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Experts say the farmer-herder conflict—rooted in land scarcity, climate change, and weak conflict resolution mechanisms—has displaced thousands and fueled insecurity in central and northern Nigeria. The government’s current approach marks a shift from reactive security responses to proactive socio-economic engagement.
As the new ministry of livestock takes shape, all eyes are on how effectively it can build bridges between Nigeria’s farming and herding populations—and whether its reforms can endure beyond politics.
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