474
Daniel Adaji
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deploy solar-powered grids across Nigeria’s grazing reserves, a move officials say will transform pastoral communities and strengthen food security.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the agreement as “a pivotal step forward in our nation’s journey towards modernising our livestock sector and ensuring the prosperity of our pastoral communities.”
He added, “For too long, the immense potential of Nigeria’s 417 grazing reserves has been hindered by a lack of basic infrastructure. Today, we are not just signing a document; we are ushering in a new era of sustainable development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Maiha explained that the solar grids will power irrigation systems for year-round fodder and water supply, improve security, and enhance access to education and healthcare. He said the plan will also boost rural economies through jobs in installation and maintenance.
“A livestock model village will consist amongst others, veterinary clinic, Primary Health Centre, school, solarized borehole, earth dams for pasture cultivation, internal road networks,” he said.
The minister stressed that revitalising grazing reserves is central to curbing conflicts over resources and promoting peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers. He said pilot projects will begin in Wawazangi (Gombe), Wase (Plateau), Gongoshin (Adamawa), and Kawu (FCT). “In fact, millions of animals, millions of pastoralists, millions of animal keepers all over the country are going to enjoy this,” he added.
On his part, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu, said the partnership aligns with REA’s mandate to support critical sectors through renewable energy.
“We design energizing education, energizing agriculture, and energizing security. But while we were studying, we realized that there is a very critical ministry within that was recently created which has a very significant impact on the work that we are doing. That is why we started this work to work with the Ministry of Livestock Development to energize these grazing reserves,” he said.
Aliyu described the collaboration as “a marriage of convenience”, explaining that REA targets clusters of development such as schools, health centers, markets, and abattoirs.
“Wherever this ministry is going to establish greater result to create a cluster of livestock development, we will be there to provide electricity to ensure that we do not only power the community, but we catalyze development of livestock, which by extension will catalyze the economic development and create a job of opportunities and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President,” he stated.
Officials emphasized that the initiative marks a turning point for Nigeria’s livestock sector, setting the stage for sustainable food production, reduced resource conflicts, and improved livelihoods for millions of pastoralists.