The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD), in collaboration with the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme, has intensified its efforts to address the escalating farmer-herder conflicts in Nigeria through a high-level workshop aimed at refining the Ministry’s five-year strategic plan.
The workshop, held on Thursday, March 6, brought together key stakeholders from government ministries, peace commissions, civil society, academia, and international development partners.
The event focused on developing inclusive, conflict-sensitive strategies to improve the security and productivity of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, the Minister of Livestock Development, opened the workshop with a strong call for structured conflict resolution frameworks to address the insecurity that has plagued the sector.
He highlighted the challenges facing the sector, including limited access to land, water, and grasslands, which have often fueled disputes between farmers and herders.
“This sector of the economy faces conflicts and insecurity, which have contributed to restricted access to key lands, water, and grassland resources across the country,” Maiha said.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring peace, security, and social cohesion as part of its five-year strategic plan.
Magdalene Lagu, Head of Governance and Stability at the British High Commission in Abuja, also addressed the workshop, stressing the UK’s continued commitment to Nigeria’s stability and its support through the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnerships.
The discussions focused on refining FMLD’s Peacebuilding, Security, and Social Cohesion Pillar, ensuring that initiatives are practical, conflict-sensitive, and aligned with local realities.
Participants identified strategies to improve dispute resolution, coordinate livestock migration, and build trust between farming and pastoralist communities.
Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Leader of SPRiNG, described the workshop as a crucial step towards sustainable peace.
He expressed optimism that the outcomes would help craft effective interventions that could mitigate conflicts and promote socio-economic development in the livestock sector.
The SPRiNG programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, aims to strengthen conflict management institutions, boost public confidence in key institutions, and create greater incentives for peace in Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was established in 2024 by President Bola Tinubu to initiate reforms that will transform the livestock sector, promote economic growth, and address the ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers.
The Ministry is currently working on implementing the 10-National Livestock Development Plan prepared by the Presidential Committee on Livestock Development.
The workshop marks a significant step towards addressing long-standing issues and improving the future of Nigeria’s livestock sector, ensuring both peace and productivity for all stakeholders.
