Fulani leaders demand 30% of Nigeria's farm budget for livestock ministry and pilot ranches

Fulani representatives gathered in Abuja on Sunday to press the federal government for a larger share of the agricultural budget for livestock development. Abdullahi Ardo, the General Secretary for the Confederation of Pastoralists, urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to ensure that a minimum of 30 per cent of the agricultural budget is directed to the Ministry of Livestock Development and to set up experimental ranches across all six geopolitical regions of Nigeria. The coalition also asked for the immediate gazetting and protection of the 417 grazing reserves that exist across the country.

Pointing to a surge in violence against herders in states including Plateau, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, Ardo pressed authorities to probe these attacks, assist displaced survivors, and protect local populations from additional harm. The group also suggested convening a nationwide forum that brings together Miyetti Allah associations, faith leaders, traditional rulers, security forces, and state administrations to tackle the farmer-herder dispute, a conflict they claim has resulted in more than 20,000 fatalities over the last ten years.

Background

The Ministry of Livestock Development was created by President Tinubu in 2024 as a response to long‑standing farmer‑herder clashes. Its mandate includes promoting ranching, developing pastures and modernising Nigeria's livestock sector, which officials estimate is worth N30 trillion. Despite the ministry's establishment, Fulani leaders argue that it remains underfunded and lacks a clear operational framework. The Confederation of Pastoralists, a coalition of Fulani organisations, has been lobbying for greater resources and policy support since the ministry's inception.

The request for a 30 per cent budget share follows previous appeals from pastoralist groups for more substantial government involvement. The coalition also seeks the protection of the 417 grazing reserves that were identified in earlier land‑use plans but have not been formally gazetted. Their demand for pilot ranches aims to shift livestock production from nomadic herding to a more commercial, fenced‑ranch model, which they believe will reduce conflicts with farmers.

Why it matters

The proposed budget reallocation would significantly increase funding for livestock development, potentially accelerating the transition of Nigeria's livestock sector from subsistence to a commercial industry. Greater resources could enable the construction of ranches, fodder production facilities and improved infrastructure, which may help mitigate clashes over land and water resources.

Pastoralist communities, estimated to number several million across the north, stand to benefit from increased security measures, relief assistance and formal recognition of grazing reserves. Conversely, farmers and agribusinesses could see reduced incidents of crop damage and livestock loss if ranching reduces the need for open‑range grazing.

The call for a national dialogue underscores the broader social impact of the farmer‑herder conflict, which has been linked to more than 20,000 deaths over ten years. Addressing the issue could improve inter‑communal relations, enhance food security and stabilise rural economies.

What happens next

The coalition urged President Tinubu to convene the proposed national dialogue promptly, involving all relevant stakeholders. They also asked the National Assembly to consider the budget amendment before the next parliamentary session. No specific timetable for the gazetting of grazing reserves or the launch of pilot ranches was provided in the statements, leaving the implementation timeline uncertain.

The Ministry of Livestock Development has not yet responded publicly to the demands, and it remains to be seen whether the federal legislature will endorse the 30 per cent allocation. Further developments are expected as the government weighs the proposal against competing budgetary priorities.