By Adamu Muhd Usman
“If your only tool is a hammer, you will see every problem as a nail. But if you have cattle, land, and knowledge, you have security.”
— Adapted African Proverb
Clashes between pastoralists and farmers have become increasingly frequent across many parts of Nigeria. Largely driven by disputes over grazing land and water resources, these conflicts have become a persistent national challenge, threatening lives, livelihoods, food security, and social cohesion.
The resolutions reached at the Jigawa State Executive Council meeting of Wednesday, July 15, 2026, particularly caught my attention. I was especially impressed by the government’s decision to establish modern cattle ranches across the state’s three senatorial districts, with plans to extend the initiative to all parts of Jigawa in due course.
Although the Executive Council approved several major projects worth billions of naira, the initiative aimed at resolving the long-standing farmers–herders conflict stood out as the most significant.
To me, it is the most impactful and far-reaching decision taken by the council. Some may wonder whether my admiration is influenced by my Fulani background. Regardless of ethnicity, however, every fair-minded Nigerian should appreciate any policy capable of promoting peace, security, agricultural productivity, and economic prosperity.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi, FCA (Dan Modi), has continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to making Jigawa State a model of peace and security. This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP 2018–2028), which seeks to transform livestock production from traditional nomadic pastoralism into a modern, sustainable, profitable, and secure enterprise.
The decision marks a significant step towards modernising agriculture, strengthening the state’s economy, and fostering lasting harmony between farming and pastoral communities.
The Jigawa State Government will implement the project through a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. The ranches will be built around a professionally managed livestock value chain designed to promote commercial livestock production.
The initiative will feature high-yield beef production, modern veterinary clinics, disease-control centres, improved breeding facilities, feed production systems, and other critical infrastructure to support livestock development across the state.
The first phase of the project will commence in each of the state’s three senatorial districts. In Jigawa North-West, the ranch will be located at the Sankara Grazing Reserve in Ringim Local Government Area. In Jigawa North-East, it will be situated at the Kashamai Grazing Reserve in Kafin Hausa Local Government Area, while Jigawa South-West will host its ranch at the Kukar Mekiya Grazing Reserve in Kiyawa Local Government Area.
This equitable distribution of such a major agricultural investment demonstrates Governor Namadi’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that every part of the state benefits from his administration’s programmes.
The project is expected to yield enormous benefits. Foremost among them is the reduction of the recurring farmers–herders clashes through the provision of dedicated, well-equipped ranches for livestock production.
Beyond conflict resolution, the initiative is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for youths and women across the livestock value chain—from feed production and animal husbandry to meat processing, dairy production, transportation, and marketing. It will also boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through taxes, land leases, and participation in national and international beef and dairy markets.
Governor Namadi’s commitment to agricultural development was further demonstrated during the 2026 Jigawa State Economic and Investment Summit, which attracted significant investor interest. More than 70 per cent of participating investors reportedly expressed their willingness to invest in agro-allied industries across the state.
Given that Jigawa is predominantly an agrarian state, where farming and livestock production constitute the main occupations of its people, such investments are both timely and strategic.
The decision to establish and develop grazing reserves forms part of Governor Namadi’s broader strategy to permanently address the recurring conflicts between farmers and pastoralists that have claimed lives and destroyed livelihoods over the years. It also reflects the fulfilment of one of the key promises contained in his 12-point agenda and reinforces public confidence in his administration.
The Jigawa State Government has also continued to support pastoralists through statewide livestock vaccination campaigns. Thousands of cattle have been vaccinated against infectious diseases, while sheep, goats, and dogs have equally been immunised, including against rabies.
As a result of these routine vaccination exercises, the prevalence of many devastating livestock diseases has declined significantly, leading to healthier animals and improved livestock productivity.
In many parts of Nigeria, grazing reserves exist only as neglected expanses of bushland. In Jigawa State, however, Governor Namadi’s administration is transforming them into functional livestock development centres equipped with improved pasture, water facilities, veterinary services, and other infrastructure required for modern ranching.
Another important aspect of the initiative is the strengthening of security and community engagement. At the same Executive Council meeting, the government approved the procurement of 20 Hilux vehicles to enhance surveillance, improve security operations, and respond swiftly to emerging security challenges across the state.
The administration’s inclusive policies extend beyond livestock development. They also prioritise the education and welfare of the children of pastoralists.
The government has established, renovated, and equipped nomadic schools across the state to meet the educational needs of Fulani children. Governor Namadi has also provided adequate funding, qualified teachers, and learning facilities to ensure that pupils receive both Islamic and Western education.
Farmers–herders conflict remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing national challenges, affecting peace, food production, and economic development. For this reason, state governments and the Federal Government should carefully study and, where appropriate, adapt the practical and comprehensive approach being implemented by Governor Umar Namadi in Jigawa State as part of a long-term solution to this persistent problem.
Adamu Muhd Usman writes from Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State.
