Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Benue State Government has expressed readiness and commitment to collaborate with federal authorities and international partners to advance the livestock sector so as to align with the vision of past administrations that were dedicated to genuine development of the livestock sector.
Already the State Government has itemized 15 state-owned livestock facilities in various conditions of neglect and disrepair, including Ikyôgen Cattle Ranch and Resort, Livestock Investigation and Breeding Centre in Raav, Small Ruminant Ranch in Ningev, Benue Swine and Crop Improvement Project (BSCIP) in Yandev, and the Artificial Insemination Centre in Gaadi, among others, insisting that the facilities were critical to boosting livestock production and economic advancement in the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula disclosed that steps have already been taken to set the stage for this avowed commitment as contained in the administration blueprint and policy papers.
According to the Governor’s spokesman “In December 2024, the state established the Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control (BLDTDC) to drive and lead international and private sector initiatives in the livestock industry.
“The state successfully hosted the maiden Benue State Livestock Summit in March 2025 in Makurdi, during which far-reaching resolutions and recommendations were proposed to strengthen the livestock sector.
‘The Benue State Development Plan (BSDP) 2025-2035 and the administration’s seven “SACHIIP” strategic pillars provide clear policy directions, including the establishment of feed mills and hatcheries across the senatorial zones, as well as the development of cattle, sheep, and goat ranches.”
Explaining further, the Chief Press Secretary informed that Benue State Government was making strategic investments in livestock development through deliberate policies and practical actions stressing that with the collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the state was “focusing on feed and fodder production, disease control, breed improvement, genetic enhancement, and capacity development.”
He announced that Benue State would take part in a high-level livestock event in Denmark in April 2025, led by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
The Governor, the statement continued has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to reviving and maximizing the potential of Benue’s livestock facilities and the full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Establishment of Ranches Law (2017) even as condemned attempts by certain individuals, politicians, and groups to distort facts and hinder progress through misinformation and political distractions.
According to the Governor the Benue Agricultural Revolution Programme (BARP), an agricultural think tank over 50 private and commercial livestock farms/facilities have been profiled for intervention in areas such as rehabilitation, production enhancement, and capacity building.
He revealed that consideration was being given to piggery, poultry, and fishery production adding that efforts were also underway to establish Benue as a Special Piggery Processing Zone, with the revamp of the Benue Swine and Crop Improvement Project (BSCIP) receiving technical consideration as well.
“This project is expected to reach full capacity, producing thousands of sows and piglets annually for farmers in Benue and beyond.
“The government invites citizens, communities, investors, and partners to participate in the ongoing revival and expansion of the livestock sector. Proposals and investment ideas are welcome in line with the administration’s ease of doing business policies. The Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control has already begun activities aimed at addressing livestock insecurity, creating wealth and employment generation.”
While assuring of inclusive participation, the Governor noted that the state government, working with livestock industry players, would facilitate detailed stakeholder engagements and town hall meetings from 20th April to the end of May 2025 to align policy actions with community and investor expectations.
He lamented that livestock development in Benue plays a distant second position to crop production, and there must be deliberate government investment to up the ante for the overall good of all Benue citizens who shall own and drive the process.
