The Federal Government has announced plans to convert Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves into “Renewed Hope Livestock Villages” with modern infrastructure and services.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, revealed this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The agreement will lead to deployment of solar-powered mini-grids across the reserves to ensure stable electricity.
Maiha explained that the project will provide schools, healthcare centres, markets, abattoirs, veterinary services, irrigation systems, roads, clean water, and security facilities. According to him, the goal is to resettle pastoralists, expand livestock production, and reduce herder-farmer clashes.
READ ALSO: FG Unveils New Reforms to Fix Youth Development Crisis
He stressed that nomadic pastoralism is no longer sustainable due to climate change, shrinking resources, and the rising number of livestock. Therefore, the government is rehabilitating the reserves to improve living standards, modernise livestock farming, and encourage herders to stay in settled communities.
Pilot projects have already been identified in Wawazangi (Gombe), Wasem (Plateau), Gongoshin (Adamawa), and Ka’u (Bwari Area Council, FCT). Solar grids will soon be deployed in these areas.
Maiha added that the villages will feature earth dams, pasture farms, schools, health centres, and veterinary clinics. The programme will also support pig, goat, and sheep farmers across the country.
“Millions of pastoralists and animal keepers, even outside the reserves, will benefit from this MoU,” he said. Rehabilitation, he added, will happen in phases and meet the unique needs of each reserve.
READ ALSO: FG Commissions Vehicular Emission Testing Centre in Nasarawa to Tackle Air Pollution
REA’s Executive Secretary, Abba Aliyu, said the partnership fits into the agency’s mandate to power rural communities through renewable energy. He explained that reserves with schools, clinics, markets, and abattoirs form perfect clusters for electrification.
“This partnership will energize communities and boost productivity in the livestock sector,” Aliyu concluded.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
