Benin, Edo – The Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Maiha, has committed to partnering with the Edo State Government to transform the state’s livestock sector into a regional powerhouse for red meat, poultry, piggery, goats, and cattle.

Speaking at the conclusion of an on-the-spot assessment visit to Edo State, Maiha announced plans to rehabilitate the state’s long-neglected cattle ranches in Igarra (Akoko-Edo LGA) and Ubiaja (Esan South-East LGA) as part of a broader strategy to modernize the livestock value chain.

“The Federal Ministry will work closely with the Edo Ministry of Livestock Development to upgrade infrastructure, improve breeding programs, and enhance processing and marketing systems,” Maiha said.

According to him, “Our goal is to position Edo as the go-to hub for safe, high-quality animal protein in West Africa.”

The minister’s pledge follows a detailed inspection of ranch facilities, abattoirs, and feed production units across the state.

He noted that rehabilitated ranches would adopt modern grazing systems, disease control measures, and traceability protocols to meet export standards.

Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Stephen Idehenre, welcomed the collaboration, stating that the partnership would create thousands of jobs, reduce farmer-herder clashes, and boost internally generated revenue.

The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for agricultural transformation and food security. Rehabilitation work on the Igarra and Ubiaja ranches is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2026.