By Donald Kumun
In the heart of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, Benue State has long been recognized as the nation’s “Food Basket,” primarily due to its abundant crop production.
However, under the visionary leadership of the State Governor, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, the state is undergoing a transformative shift, placing significant emphasis on the development of the livestock value chain. This strategic focus aims not only to diversify the state’s agricultural portfolio, but also to address longstanding challenges, stimulate economic growth, and enhance food security for its populace.
A cornerstone of Governor Alia’s livestock development initiative is the creation of the Bureau for Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control. This bureau serves as the central agency responsible for formulating and implementing policies that promote sustainable livestock farming practices while mitigating the risks associated with animal diseases that cross regional and national boundaries.
Dr. Aondoakaa Asambe, appointed by the Governor, as the Director-General of the bureau, has articulated the bureau’s mission to harness the vast potential of the livestock sector, transforming it into a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and food security.
In March 2025, Governor Alia’s administration hosted the inaugural Benue Livestock Summit in Makurdi, themed: “Re-imagining the Future of Livestock Production in Nigeria for Economic Growth and Self-Sufficiency.” This landmark event marked the formal launch of a strategic partnership between Benue State, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and global stakeholders in the livestock industry.
During the summit, Governor Alia emphasized the critical need to transition from traditional open grazing methods to ranching, advocating for the enactment of laws prohibiting open grazing nationwide. He stated that, one of the critical takeaways expected from the summit, is an articulated roadmap for establishing ranches, which according to him, the failure to develop model ranches in collaboration with farmers, and the private sector, has hindered livestock growth. Governor Alia said his administration is poised to close this gap by operationalizing ranches and empowering farmers to expand beyond subsistence backyard livestock rearing.
The summit also highlighted the state’s commitment to establishing ten feed mills and ten hatcheries in each senatorial district, alongside nine agricultural training centers, aimed at improving collaboration between farmers and enhancing productivity.
Governor Alia, made it abundantly clear that, Benue State boasts several existing facilities ready for collective utilization through appropriate Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) which include: Ikyôgen Cattle Ranch and Resort, Kwande LGA – 13,000 hectares with potential for large-scale cattle ranching and eco-tourism; Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre, Raav, in Gwer West LGA – 3,200 hectares dedicated to livestock breeding and research, particularly for the Muturu Breed of Cattle (Bua Tiv), respectively.
Given the Federal Government’s commitment to preventing donkey extinction, a special intervention is needed to conserve and breed Muturu cattle, which hold economic and cultural significance for the Benue people. Initial infrastructure already exists at Raav; Gwer-West LGA, Small Ruminant Ranch, Ningev, in Vandeikya LGA – 922 hectares suitable for sheep and goat farming; Benue Swine and Crop Improvement Project (BSCIP), Yandev, Gboko LGA – A key facility for pig breeding and productivity enhancement; Makurdi International Cattle Market, North Bank – A 287m × 75m market requiring modernization for improved livestock trade; Artificial Insemination Centre, Gaadi, in Makurdi LGA – Crucial for genetic improvement of Livestock breeds and Agricultural Development Company (ADC) – 6.3 hectares housing a hatchery, feed mill, and breeder stock section, with potential for revival to support poultry farmers across Nigeria.
Others include: Ranch Development Centre, Gaadi, Makurdi LGA – 4 hectares for modern ranching and livestock management training; Live Birds Market, Nyôr Igyungu, Makurdi LGA – A major poultry trading hub needing infrastructure upgrades; Veterinary Complex, North Bank, Makurdi LGA – 4.8 hectares currently in disrepair, intended to provide essential veterinary services; Pig Demonstration Centre, Katsina-Ala – Established for pig farming demonstrations, but now non-functional; Poultry Holding and Demonstration Centre, Gboko-Aliade Road – Initially designed to support poultry production, but inactive; Pasture Development Area, Ushongo LGA – A designated livestock feeding area requiring urgent rehabilitation as well as abattoirs and Slaughterhouses across the State – Many, including those in the state capital and 22 LGAs, are in unhygienic conditions, posing public health risks.
As Benue transitions towards ranching, we must prioritize fodder production, hay, and silage, even as Governor Alia’s goal, is to integrate Benue into L-PRES (Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project) to bridge existing gaps in livestock infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the bureau’s initiatives include: Disease Surveillance and Control for Implementation of a comprehensive monitoring systems to detect and respond to outbreaks of transboundary animal diseases, thereby safeguarding livestock health and farmer livelihoods, as well as providing training programs for livestock farmers on best practices in animal husbandry, disease prevention, and sustainable farming techniques.
These initiatives spearheaded by the Governor, have opened a plethora of investment opportunities within Benue State’s livestock sector, and is instrumental in identifying and promoting the opportunities to both local and international investors.
The landmarks of the Governor at BENIPA focuses on attracting investments in areas that will unlock Benue’s potentials to tap into the multi-billion dollars global livestock related framework such as: Ranch Development which has the state’s push towards ranching, with a significant demand for private investment in the establishment and management of modern ranches equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
The planned feed mills by the Governor, present opportunities for investors to engage in the production and supply of high-quality animal feed, a critical component in enhancing livestock productivity.
This is also applicable to Meat Processing and Packaging, which Investments in meat processing facilities can add value to livestock products, to ensure that quality standards are met for both domestic consumption and export markets including halal standard.
The emphasis on disease control creates a market for veterinary services, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals, essential for maintaining animal health and productivity.
The Federal Government has recognized and commended Governor Alia’s initiatives, pledging sustained support to steer the bureau’s affairs and enhance the state’s livestock sector. This collaboration aims to unlock the full potential of Benue’s livestock resources, positioning the state as a leader in sustainable agriculture and livestock production.
The Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during the Summit, expressed a keen interest in advancing the potential of state-owned facilities like the Livestock Breeding and Investigation Centre in Raav, Gwer-West local government area of Benue State, as such partnerships are expected to attract foreign direct investment, introduce advanced technologies, and foster best practices within the state’s livestock industry.
Governor Alia’s pioneering efforts in developing Benue State’s livestock value chain, represents a transformative approach to agricultural development, shown in the establishment of the Bureau for Livestock Development, and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, and identifying key investment opportunities, are his administration’s solid foundation for economic growth, job creation, and enhanced food security.
The strategic focus on ranching, disease control, and value addition within the livestock sector, not only addresses longstanding challenges, but also positions Benue State as a model for sustainable livestock development in Nigeria. As these initiatives continue to unfold, they promise to usher in a new era of prosperity for the state’s farmers, investors, and the broader community as a whole.
Donald Kumun, is the Principal Special Assistant to the Benue State Governor on Print Media.
