Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Ranching Reform, Vows to End Conflict
President Bola Tinubu on Monday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing comprehensive ranching and livestock reforms, expressing confidence that the ongoing National Economic Council (NEC) conference would produce concrete and actionable resolutions.
Speaking at the opening of the two-day NEC conference held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President said the deliberations would advance dairy farming, livestock investment, ranch development, and agricultural diversification as part of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and address insecurity.
“I’m confident that the resolution of this conference will include dairy farming, livestock investment, ranches and diversification of our agricultural produce. I promise you here, I will play my part. I promise Nigeria that this will be delivered,” Tinubu stated.
The President linked the transformation of the livestock sector to national security, describing banditry and terrorism as major economic setbacks that require urgent and decisive action.
“It is an economic hindrance if we do not find immediate solutions,” he said, adding that the Federal Government would intensify efforts to strengthen security forces to defeat terrorism and combat banditry. “That is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you that we will win with determination and resilience.”
Tinubu’s remarks build on his earlier directive of December 10, 2025, when he tasked Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the NEC to develop a comprehensive roadmap for overhauling Nigeria’s livestock industry through ranching as a sustainable solution to recurring farmer-herder conflicts.
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At the Federal Executive Council meeting on that date, the President urged governors and key stakeholders to embrace ranching reforms. He also directed the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar Maiha, to identify viable communities and grazing areas that could be transformed into modern ranches.
“We must eliminate these areas of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable. The opportunity is there; let’s utilise it,” Tinubu had said.
Subsequently, at its 155th meeting on December 18, 2025, the NEC inaugurated a Livestock Development Committee chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris. The committee, comprising representatives from the six geopolitical zones, was mandated to accelerate the implementation of nationwide ranching and livestock production reforms.
At Monday’s conference, the President also commended state governors—particularly those of Borno and Katsina states—for their efforts in tackling insecurity and safeguarding lives and property.
“I commend many of you, particularly the governors of Borno and Katsina, who have done so much to defend our freedom, liberty and our commonwealth,” he said.
Tinubu arrived at the conference venue at 12:12 p.m. before formally declaring the second edition of the NEC conference open.
The conference, presided over by Vice President Shettima and convened by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, is themed: “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.”
Scheduled for February 9 and 10, the gathering brings together state governors, senior government officials, development partners, and private-sector leaders to deliberate on key macroeconomic priorities, including fiscal coordination, investment mobilisation, and collaborative development strategies between federal and state governments.
The conference forms part of the Federal Government’s broader reform drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at fostering inclusive growth and sustainable national development.
By PRNigeria
