In a strategic move to fortify Nigeria’s agricultural backbone, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has announced a landmark partnership with the Nigerian Armed Forces. The collaboration aims to scale up livestock production, enhance national food security, and stimulate economic growth within rural communities.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, unveiled the plan on Wednesday in Abuja during a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Defence Holding Company Limited.
Technical Assessments and Self-Sufficiency
The partnership will kick off with comprehensive technical assessments of military farm formations across the country. These evaluations are designed to identify capacity gaps and deploy government resources to ensure military establishments achieve food self-sufficiency while contributing to the national market.
“We will visit your farm formations, assess what is on ground and work with you to close the gaps. Our goal is to ensure proper standards, align with national food security objectives, and enable the Armed Forces progressively produce their own food while contributing to national supply,” Minister Maiha stated.
The Integrated Grazing Model
Minister Maiha highlighted that this initiative is a core component of the Federal Government’s agenda for food sovereignty and job creation. He revealed a new integrated grazing reserve model currently being pioneered in Wase, Plateau State. This modern ranching hub features internal road networks and residential settlements, educational facilities and veterinary clinics, bams for sustainable water supply, and dedicated zones for crop and pasture production.
Non-Kinetic Interventions for Peace
Air Vice Marshal Anthony Ndace, Group Managing Director of Defence Holding Company Limited, noted that the military is increasingly utilizing non-kinetic interventions such as agriculture to combat regional insecurity.
By expanding livestock farming, the military aims to promote community reintegration and stability. AVM Ndace specifically requested the Ministry’s technical expertise to develop 1,000 hectares of livestock facilities in Plateau State, a move expected to serve as a blueprint for integrating security institutions into the nation’s rural development frameworks.
