Benue yet to approve FG’s proposed pilot ranching programme — Alia govt

The Benue State Government says it has not approved the inclusion of the state in the Federal Government’s proposed pilot ranching programme, stressing that all relevant stakeholders must be consulted before any decision is taken.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development recently considered Benue among the states proposed for the pilot ranching programme.

In a statement signed by the Director-General of the Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control (BLDTADC), Dr Aondoakaa Asambe, the state government said it was aware of concerns being expressed by communities, professionals and other stakeholders over the proposal.

Asambe said any discussion or consultation on the establishment of pilot ranches in the state must involve relevant Benue stakeholders.

“Any discussion, consultation, or consideration regarding the establishment of pilot ranches in Benue State must involve all relevant Benue stakeholders and must not be reduced to a mere declaration or policy intention without adequate consultation,” he said.

The government said ranching was already recognised under the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017, as amended.

“The Benue State Government currently supports ranching, which is firmly entrenched in the provisions of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017, as amended,” the statement said.

According to the government, the law recognises ranching as a legitimate livestock management option, particularly within a framework that allows private-sector participation through state-approved licensing procedures.