FG to allocate 30,000 hectares of Wase Grazing Reserve to military
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the Wase Grazing Reserve in Plateau State into a major livestock production hub, with plans to allocate about 30,000 hectares of land to the military for large-scale livestock farming.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the reserve alongside representatives of Defence Headquarters Holdings, who have indicated interest in investing in modern livestock production within the area.
Maiha said the proposed allocation would enable the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force to establish grazing and livestock production facilities as part of efforts to unlock the economic potential of the reserve, which spans more than 100,000 hectares of arable land.
He said the ministry had engaged extensively with pastoralists, community leaders and other stakeholders, noting that the initiative had received broad support from residents and political leaders in Wase Local Government Area.
According to the minister, the project has the backing of President Bola Tinubu and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, providing the political support needed for its implementation.
Maiha explained that the livestock development programme would focus on modern breeding techniques, including artificial insemination, to improve livestock genetics and productivity. He added that selected cattle would be raised in feedlots before processing in modern abattoirs.
He said the initiative could serve as a model for neighbouring states, including Kaduna, Bauchi and Nasarawa, while helping to expand livestock infrastructure across the country.
The minister noted that a livestock enterprise of the proposed scale could generate more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute significantly to economic growth.
