The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to fully utilize the over 100,000 hectares of arable land available at the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau State for the development of Nigeria’s livestock ecosystem.
The Minister made this known during an inspection visit to the Wase Grazing Reserve alongside representatives of the Defence Headquarters Holdings, who have expressed interest in investing in modern livestock farming within the reserve.
According to the Minister, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development plans to allocate approximately 30,000 hectares of land within the reserve to the Defence Headquarters, comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, and the Nigerian Navy, to establish large-scale grazing and livestock production facilities.
“Beyond this visit, we have engaged extensively with stakeholders, pastoralists, and other interested groups seeking to access and utilise the grazing reserve,” the Minister stated.
He noted the overwhelming support from various stakeholders in Wase Local Government Area, including traditional leaders, community representatives, and political office holders. He particularly acknowledged the support of the Member representing Wase Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ahmed Idris Wase, who has demonstrated strong commitment to the project and is actively involved in agricultural development.
The Minister emphasised that the initiative enjoys the full support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Executive Governor of Plateau State, providing the necessary political backing for its successful implementation
He explained that the project would focus on modern cow-calf operations through the adoption of Artificial Insemination (AI) technology to improve the genetic quality of livestock within the reserve. Selected young bulls will also be introduced into feedlots for fattening before processing at modern abattoirs.
“This model will serve as a reference point for neighbouring states such as Kaduna, Bauchi, and Nasarawa, while encouraging the establishment of similar livestock infrastructure across the country,” he said.
The Minister further disclosed that a single livestock enterprise of this scale has the potential to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, describing the livestock sector as one of the fastest-growing segments of Nigeria’s economy.
He added that the Ministry is working closely with the Plateau State Government, private sector investors, and development partners to drive sustainable livestock development in the state.
Beyond beef production, the Minister revealed plans to strengthen the dairy value chain through partnerships with key industry players, including Integrated Dairies Limited in Jos, founded by retired Air Vice Marshal Isaq Shakari.
He explained that the Ministry intends to establish milk collection centres powered by solar energy to facilitate efficient milk aggregation, processing, and marketing, thereby creating jobs and improving livelihoods in rural communities.
“The sustainable solution to many of the security and economic challenges facing Plateau State and Nigeria is livestock development. Through strategic investments, we can create jobs, improve incomes, and foster peaceful coexistence,” he said.
At the grazing reserve, the Minister inspected areas dedicated for pasture production, storage facilities pasture processing tools that are provided by the Ministry and the Plateau State Government.
On the Minister’s delegation was the Execcutive management of the ABIS Group who are interested in the establishment of feedlots to supply quality bulls for the modern abattoir under construction in Heipang, Plateau State.
