Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Transform Wase Grazing Reserve into Livestock Production Hub

The Honourable 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 Ministe,r 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. 

The areas inspected by the Minister and his team included sites for pasture establishment by Defense Holdings Limited, micro-earth dam by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for irrigated pasture production and infrastructure at one of the livestock service centres in the grazing reserve. 

The educational needs of the communities was also assessed by officials of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The Sovereign Investment Authority and Nigeria Inventive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) were with the Minister to assess investment opportunities and how they can promote and support the   sustainable interventions by both the public and private sector  in the  State.

The Minister held interactive meetings with stakeholders in the grazing reserve and the Palace of the Emir of Wase, emphasising the need for stakeholder buy-in for the ongoing initiatives. He highlighted the importance of adopting improved production practices and close cooperation with private sector investors. 

He assured the communities of the commitment of the present administration under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in fulfilling its promises of creating jobs, addressing poverty, expanding economic opportunities and ensuring peace and security.

In addition to the officials from the Ministry and its parastatals, the Minister was accompanied by Rt. Hon. Dr. Ahmed Idris Wase, Federal House of Representatives, Plateau State Commissioners of Livestock Development and Agriculture, members of Plateau State House of Assembly and other senior officials of the Plateau State Government. 

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIRSAL, Integrated Dairies Limited, the ABIS Group and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Fund, among others.

As part of activities during the visit, the Minister, alongside the National Project Coordinator of the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, commissioned a Digital Weather Station in Wase. The project was funded by L-PRES and is being managed by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The Minister described the weather station as a significant step toward climate-smart livestock production. This facility will enable us to monitor rainfall patterns, wind speed, soil temperature, and other climatic factors critical to livestock and pasture management."

It also aligns with our commitment to nature-based solutions and greenhouse gas mitigation in livestock production,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of stakeholders in Wase, community leaders welcomed the initiative, describing it as a transformational investment that would boost economic activities, create employment opportunities, and enhance food security.

The National Coordinator L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, said that the Wase Grazing Reserve is one of the five grazing reserves being piloted by the Federal Government for Remodelling and resuscitation the grazing reserves in Nigeria.

He explained that the initiative forms part of the Project's efforts to strengthen climate-smart livestock production through the installation of Automatic Weather Stations in five pilot grazing reserves across the country in collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). 

Dr. Abubakar added that L-PRES is also implementing a range of complementary interventions, including the development of sedentary pilot schemes within the grazing reserves, aimed at promoting sustainable livestock production, improving resource management, and enhancing the livelihoods of livestock farmers in Plateau State.

Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations 
17/6/26