FG to Relocate Cattle From Abuja City Center to Grazing Reserves

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to relocate cattle currently roaming the city center of Abujato designated grazing reserves.

                                                

The move, officials say, is aimed at restoring order in the capital while addressing the long-running farmer-herder conflict across the country.

Speaking at the 2025 Media Retreat in Kaduna, themed “Driving Livestock Growth through Strategic Communication,”the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Maiha, outlined the plan.

Key points from his statement:

• The ministry will work with stakeholders, including cattle breeders and local communities, to relocate roaming animals.

• A national peace campaign will be launched in the coming weeks to promote harmony between farmers, herders, and communities nationwide.

• “On Friday, we had a robust engagement with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) as part of our moves to relocate animals roaming the city center in Abuja to grazing reserves,” Maiha revealed.

He emphasized the importance of dialogue, adding:

“We need peace. We must give ourselves peace.”

Residents of the nation’s capital have long voiced frustration over livestock roaming freely in busy districts. Complaints range from:

• Traffic disruptions caused by stray herds

• Public safety risks in crowded areas

• Concerns about the image of Abuja as Nigeria’s capital city

The government’s decision to relocate the cattle has been widely seen as a response to these mounting concerns.

Beyond Abuja, the ministry’s peace initiative aims to:

• Reduce farmer-herder clashes, which have fueled insecurity across several states

• Support structured grazing systems that can ease tensions over land use

• Foster stronger collaboration between herders’ associations, farmers, and local governments