The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has advocated for stronger civil-military collaboration to enhance sustainable livestock production and strengthen national security.
Musa made the call at the 51st Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production in Kaduna on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
Musa was represented by Commander Infantry Corps Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut.
He noted that the link between food systems and national security was increasingly evident, stressing that food insecurity could both drive and result from conflicts, particularly in rural communities.
According to him, strengthening animal production systems is not only an economic necessity but also critical to national stability and peace-building.
Musa highlighted the role of the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL) as a strategic initiative aimed at boosting food security and addressing farmer-herder conflicts through structured livestock production.
He said the model had shown strong potential in reducing insecurity, improving productivity, and enhancing value chains.
The minister also referenced key government initiatives, including the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the National Livestock Master Plan (2025–2030), as part of efforts to modernise the sector.
He urged stakeholders to adopt climate-smart practices, improved breeding technologies, and sustainable feed systems, while strengthening collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and security agencies.
In his remarks, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, represented by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr.l Sule Shu’aibu, said livestock production remained critical to food security, job creation, and economic diversification.
Sani said the state government had invested in livestock infrastructure, grazing reserves, veterinary services, and capacity building to modernise the sector.
He added that Kaduna remained committed to policies promoting ranching, improving animal health systems, and resolving farmer-herder conflicts through dialogue and sustainable land-use practices.
Earlier, the Commandant of NDA, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Olatoye, represented by AVM Abdullahi Bello, described the conference as a vital platform for addressing the intersection of agriculture and security.
He noted that Nigeria’s security challenges had significantly impacted agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods, particularly in livestock production.
Olatoye emphasised that civil-military collaboration could facilitate secure grazing systems, promote ranching models, and minimise conflicts while boosting productivity.
Also speaking, the President of NSAP, Olaniyi Babayemi, described the conference as historic, noting that it was the first time the event was being hosted in a military institution.
He said the gathering brought together military expertise, scientific research, and practical farming experience to address challenges in livestock production.
Babayemi reiterated that livestock production had become a strategic national asset, stressing that food security was fundamental to national security.
He added that the conference would focus on practical solutions, including controlled grazing systems, ranching innovations, and technology-driven livestock management.
NAN reports that the conference, which runs from March 29 to April 1, is expected to generate actionable recommendations to guide policy and strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector.
NAN also reports that a former Commandant of NDA, delivered a lecture titled: “Farmer-Herder Conflict: An Appraisal of Ranching as a Conflict Resolution Mechanism.
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