Defence Headquarters to Establish Large-Scale Livestock Enterprise in Plateau

The Federal Government has earmarked approximately 30,000 hectares of land within the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau State for a major livestock development project involving Defence Headquarters Holdings.

Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the reserve alongside representatives of Defence Headquarters Holdings, comprising the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy, who have expressed interest in investing in modern livestock production.

Maiha explained that the allocation forms part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to fully utilise the over 100,000 hectares of arable land available within the reserve to drive growth and transformation in Nigeria’s livestock sector.

According to the minister, the proposed project will focus on modern livestock production systems, particularly cow-calf production using artificial insemination technology to improve livestock genetics, productivity and overall herd quality.

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“The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development plans to allocate approximately 30,000 hectares of land within the reserve to the Defence Headquarters to establish large-scale grazing and livestock production facilities,” Maiha stated.

He added that selected bulls would be raised in feedlots before being processed in modern abattoirs, creating an integrated livestock value chain capable of boosting meat production and enhancing food security.

The minister noted that the initiative has already received the support of key stakeholders in Wase Local Government Area, including traditional rulers, community leaders and political office holders.

Maiha expressed optimism that the project would stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities and serve as a model for livestock development across neighbouring states.

“A single livestock enterprise of this scale has the potential to generate over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs,” he said.

He described the livestock sector as one of the fastest-growing segments of Nigeria’s economy and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with state governments, private investors and development partners to unlock opportunities in both the beef and dairy value chains.

As part of the visit, the minister commissioned a Digital Weather Station funded under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) and managed by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

Speaking during the commissioning, the National Project Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, disclosed that the Wase Grazing Reserve is one of five pilot grazing reserves selected for remodelling and revitalisation under the programme.

He explained that the weather station would provide critical climate data, including rainfall patterns, wind speed, soil temperature and other meteorological information necessary for climate-smart livestock production and effective pasture management.

The Federal Government said the broader livestock development initiative is aimed at boosting productivity, creating jobs, enhancing food security and promoting sustainable livestock production across Nigeria.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to resuscitating grazing reserves and modernising the livestock industry as part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s agricultural economy and improve rural livelihoods.