The Niger State Government has commenced moves to give legal backing to all 23 designated grazing reserves across the state as part of efforts to promote sustainable livestock development and enhance peaceful coexistence among farming and pastoral communities.
The initiative, being implemented through the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, is aimed at strengthening the management of grazing reserves and supporting the state’s livestock sector.
Speaking during an advocacy visit to the Palace of the Emir of Minna according to a statement issued on Wednesday, Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Abdullahi Mammagi, disclosed that Niger State has 23 grazing reserves, nine of which have already been gazetted.
He said the ministry is working to complete the gazetting of the remaining reserves, beginning with the Barakwai and Adunu Grazing Reserves, as well as those in Gbako Local Government Area.
Mammagi appealed to the Minna Emirate to support the exercise by sensitising district and village heads in the affected communities ahead of the commencement of the programme.
He said the ministry considered consultations with traditional institutions necessary to secure the cooperation and active participation of host communities.
In his response, the Emir of Minna commended the ministry for the initiative and appreciated the courtesy visit. He urged district and village heads in the affected communities to adequately enlighten residents to ensure the smooth implementation of the gazetting exercise.
The Emir also advised the ministry to sustain regular engagement with the Emirate by providing updates on the progress of the exercise and other livestock development programmes.