The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has rejected the Federal Government’s renewed cattle ranching policy. The group says the plan could create fresh disputes over land in the Middle Belt.

The forum raised concerns about proposed ranching sites in Adamawa, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Benue, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement signed by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the MBF said the government should not allocate community land without the consent of the people who own or occupy it.

MBF raises land ownership concerns

The forum said many communities in the Middle Belt have faced years of attacks, killings and displacement.

It argued that the government should first help displaced residents return to their ancestral homes. It also called for better security in affected communities.

The MBF questioned the decision to set aside more land for cattle settlements while some communities remain displaced.

The group said large areas of Middle Belt land have already been abandoned or occupied because of insecurity. It warned that another round of land allocation could increase tensions.

The forum also criticised the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, over the proposed ranching programme.

Group questions choice of states

The MBF said the government should consider other parts of northern Nigeria for the programme.

It pointed to Jigawa, Kano, Sokoto, Bauchi, Zamfara and Northern Kebbi. According to the group, these areas have large areas of unused land.

The forum also questioned a change in the states selected for the proposed pilot programme.

It said Kano State appeared on the list announced by the minister in January 2026. The government later replaced Kano with Nasarawa State.

The MBF said the change raised concerns about the purpose and direction of the programme.

It also opposed the Wase ranching model in Plateau State. The minister has presented the model as an example of the ranching approach.

The forum claimed that some farmers and Plateau indigenes oppose the model. It also alleged that some political and traditional figures support it because they could benefit from land allocations.

Ranching policy and community consent

The MBF said the government must consult communities before using their land for ranching.

It called for clear security measures and proper discussions with landowners. The group warned that imposing a ranching programme could worsen existing tensions.

The issue also raises wider questions about land management in Nigeria.

Ranching requires land, roads, water supply, veterinary services and other infrastructure. Government agencies must therefore consider how such projects will affect existing communities and land users.

Clear land ownership records can also help reduce disputes. Proper planning can protect property rights while allowing new infrastructure and agricultural projects to grow.

Impact on housing and real estate

The dispute has implications beyond livestock development.

Land remains central to housing, real estate and infrastructure projects. Changes in land use can affect property owners, developers, investors and communities.

Unclear ownership can also discourage investment. It can delay housing projects and create disputes over development rights.

For this reason, land acquisition should follow clear legal procedures. Governments also need to engage affected communities before major land-use decisions.

MBF calls for policy suspension

The Middle Belt Forum called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the proposed ranching policy in the region.

It also urged communities to use lawful and constitutional means to challenge any alleged unlawful acquisition of their land.

The group asked National Assembly members from affected states to question the Minister of Livestock Development. It said lawmakers should protect the interests of their constituents.

The MBF also warned state governors against allocating community land without the consent of local residents.

The forum said such decisions could have political consequences ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The dispute shows the challenge of balancing livestock development with land rights and community interests. For Nigeria’s housing and real estate sectors, the issue also highlights the need for clear land records, proper planning and transparent land acquisition processes.

Any ranching programme that moves forward will need to address land ownership, community consent, security and infrastructure. These factors will be important to reducing conflict and supporting sustainable development.

The post MBF Rejects Middle Belt Ranching Plan, Warns Over Land Allocation appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The decision was reached during the council’s 13th meeting held in Yola, chaired by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. A significant portion of the funding—₦2.097 billion—was earmarked for the construction of internal roads, drainage channels, landscaping, and solar-powered streetlights within the newly completed Yola Town Market.

“This project will transform the market into a modern commercial hub, improve safety, and attract more businesses,” the council affirmed, stressing the administration’s commitment to revitalising trade centres.

The works, contracted to Amija Nigeria Limited, are scheduled for completion within six months.

In a related development, the council also approved ₦496 million for the recapitalisation of the Adamawa State Health Supply Management Agency. The fund, described as a revolving resource, is designed to improve access to quality, affordable medicines while strengthening healthcare delivery systems.

“Our goal is to ensure that no citizen is left behind in accessing safe and essential medicines,” the council said. “This investment aligns with our vision of achieving universal health coverage.”

The agency, now a legislated body under national healthcare reforms, is charged with ensuring the availability of genuine medical supplies and combating the distribution of counterfeit drugs.

The council also reviewed progress on ongoing urban development projects, including the construction of 1,000 housing units, which form part of the state’s broader strategy to improve living standards and infrastructure.

The post Adamawa Approves N2.6bn for Roads, Health Agency to Boost Economy and Services appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The attacks, which reportedly took place on Wednesday, are part of a recurring pattern of seasonal tensions that often flare up during the farming period in the border communities. Local reports indicate that at least two houses were set ablaze in separate incidents, escalating concerns over community safety and the protection of property in the region.

Confirming the incidents, the Adamawa State Police Command described the acts as “mischief by fire,” with the command’s spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosing that unidentified individuals torched thatched huts belonging to Mrs. Ododumga Kenneth in Lafiya and Mr. Nura Haruna in Boshikiri.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, has directed a thorough investigation into the incidents and ordered the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the affected areas. The move, according to the command, is aimed at containing further escalation and ensuring the apprehension of those responsible.

CP Morris also issued a stern warning against incitement and unlawful acts, stressing that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

The command urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities or movements in their communities, assuring that all efforts are being made to restore peace and prevent a recurrence.

The post Fresh Unrest in Adamawa: Homes Torched in Border Village Clashes appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The project, overseen by Hon. Adamu Atiku Abubakar, Commissioner of Works and Energy Development, is designed to transform and beautify the state capital, while significantly enhancing road safety.

The newly upgraded drainage infrastructure is engineered to mitigate flooding and ensure smooth traffic flow during the rainy season. A dual drainage system installed on both sides of the road is expected to improve water flow, maintain road integrity, and reduce the risk of accidents.

READ ALSO: NIA President Advocates for Bold Actions to Address Urban Planning Challenges in Nigeria

In addition to the drainage improvements, the expansion of Atiku Abubakar Way, which runs from the shopping complex axis, includes designated parking spaces to help alleviate traffic congestion. This thoroughfare is a critical artery connecting various parts of the city and frequently experiences heavy vehicular traffic, especially around the shopping complex.

The road expansion aims to create additional lanes, thereby reducing congestion and improving traffic efficiency.

READ ALSO: Senate Sets Up Committee to Investigate Abandoned Projects Nationwide

Once completed, the project is expected to enhance access to businesses and residential areas along Atiku Abubakar Way, reinforcing Governor Fintiri’s commitment to urban renewal and development in Adamawa State.

The post Governor Fintiri Drives Urban Transformation in Adamawa with New Road Expansions appeared first on Housing TV Africa.