Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday presided over the 156th National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The hybrid meeting, which commenced at 4:17 pm, marked the council’s second session since President Bola Tinubu directed NEC to identify and rehabilitate grazing reserves into modern ranches as part of nationwide livestock reforms.
President Tinubu had issued the directive at the Federal Executive Council meeting on December 10, 2025, tasking NEC to work with the Ministry of Livestock Development to develop a clear roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector and reducing farmer-herder conflicts.
Following the directive, NEC at its 155th meeting on December 18, 2025, inaugurated a livestock development committee chaired by Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris.
The committee includes representatives from the six geopolitical zones and key ministries, with a mandate to review existing reform proposals and identify states willing to implement the programme.
The livestock reform is expected to improve food security, boost economic growth, and address long-standing security challenges linked to open grazing.