Tag: Open Grazing

  • Delta State Govt. Signs Anti-Open Grazing Bill Into Law

    Delta State Govt. Signs Anti-Open Grazing Bill Into Law

    Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has signed the bill prohibiting open grazing across the state, into law.

    He assented to the bill on Thursday at the Government House in Asaba, a week after members of the Delta State House of Assembly passed the ‘Bill Prohibiting Open Grazing, Indiscriminate Breeding, Rearing, and Marketing of Livestock in Delta State’.

    Lawmakers in the state had passed the bill following the adoption of a motion by the Majority Leader of the House, Ferguson Onwo.

    “Through the passage of this bill, the State House of Assembly has demonstrated its resolve to protect Deltans (residents) from the menace of clashes between herders and farmers,” said Speaker Sherrif Oborevwori who presided over the plenary during which the bill was passed.

    “I commend all the sponsors of this bill for recognising that the security of lives and properties of Deltans, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered), remains sacrosanct.”

    Tackling Herders-Farmers Crisis

    Delta is the most recent state to enact such a law after authorities in Rivers, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Lagos had done the same.

    The prohibition of open grazing by these states is in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors Forum, as part of measures to tackle the conflicts between herders and farmers.

    During a meeting of the governors held on September 16 in Enugu, member-states were reminded about the need to enact or amend the anti-open grazing law to align with the uniform template and aspiration of the forum.

    They had commended the rate at which the states in the South were enacting the law and encouraged those yet to enact it to do so expeditiously.

    But the position of the governors was faulted by some Nigerians, including the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, who said it was unconstitutional.

  • Rep Member decry plot to resist Open grazing law in Benue State

    Rep Member decry plot to resist Open grazing law in Benue State

    By Our Correspondent

    Member representing Makurdi/Guma in the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Mzondu, has decried plots to resist the passage of ban on open grazing law in Benue state noting that all involved should refrain from all antagonistic posture against Governor Samuel Ortom in the fight against open grazing.

    Particularly calling out Tiv people, the former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Steven Tsav and the former Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Titus Zam, Mzondu noted all those working against the Governor should be wary so as to escape the judgment of history.

    Mzondu in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi noted that some Tsav, Zam and their cotravelers, going by their posture appear to be agents of Miyetti Allah, the Fulani sociocultural organization and armed Fulani herdsmen who have been killing and terrorizing the people of the state.

    Recall that Tsav and Zam and a few others in a recent statement attempted to blackmail Governor Samuel Ortom on the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017.

    The law maker cautioned that the people of Iharev and the entire Tiv race with not forgive any Tiv personality who for any reason chooses to align with the armed herdsmen and their sponsors for political reasons.

    “It is my appeal that Zam, Tsav and other Tiv sons playing politics with the killing of Benue farmers by armed Fulani herdsmen retreat their steps and stand with Governor Ortom to salvage, not just Iharev communities but the entire Benue State from the hands of invaders and their pay masters.

    “It is only by doing so (retreating their steps) that history will be kind to them and record them as those that fought on the side of their people,” he stated.

    He reminded Zam and Tsav and their allies that their acts of chicanery are late in the day as Nigerians are all aware of the intentions of the armed Fulani herdsmen and their sponsors which tilts towards fulanisation and islamisation.

    “Therefore, no amount of blackmail and negative profiling of Governor Samuel Ortom will change the perception of the people of Benue State that he is a leader that has sacrificed his life and office for the liberation of his people.

    On the allegation that Governor Ortom used the anti-open grazing law to win election, Mzondu wondered whether the governors of other states and their legislators who passed a similar law are using theirs for election.

    “If one may ask, is Zam and Tsav aware that the issue of banning open grazing of cattle is no longer perculiar to Benue State. Did the Governors of those states and the legislators in their Houses of Assembly also promulgate the law for political reasons as they alluded of Governor Ortom whom they said did it to win election?”

    However, the law maker urged Zam and Tsav to take any Livestock Guard who breeches the law while carrying out their duties to task, stressing that the law banning open grazing has come to stay in the state and no amount of blackmail will lead to its repeal.

  • BNSG to Amend Anti Open Grazing Law to Provide Stiffer Penalties for Violators

    BNSG to Amend Anti Open Grazing Law to Provide Stiffer Penalties for Violators

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Benue State Government is to amend the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law to provide stiffer penalties for Violators.

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom made this disclosure at the Government House Makurdi when the Primate of the Aglican Comminion, Nigeria, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba paid him a courtesy visit.

    The Governor noted that there was need to amend the law, adding that the fines prescribed were too meager, and easily letting the offenders off the hook and encouraging Violators to blatantly disobey it.

    Ortom opined that his administration will stand against Federal Government’s proposed agricultural settlement centers which he said was a deliberate attempt to annex farm lands for grazing of cattles.

    He averred that the Benue economy is being driven the Civil Service, complemented by farming which is badly affected by Herdsmen attacks. He enjoined the Federal Government to deal decisively with Herdsmen militia who are responsible for these heinous acts.

    Earlier Primite Ndukuba lauded the Governor for his commitment to the well-being of Benue people as well as provision of basic infrastructure amidst security and economic challenges.

  • BREAKING: Open-grazing ban, VAT bills scale second reading at Lagos Assembly

    BREAKING: Open-grazing ban, VAT bills scale second reading at Lagos Assembly

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday committed the bill on open grazing ban to the Committee on Agriculture after it scaled second reading.

    The legislators also read for the first and second time, the Lagos Value Added Tax (VAT) bill and asked the Committee on Finance to give a report on Thursday.

    Speaker Mudashiru Obasa described the ‘Prohibition of Open Cattle Grazing Bill’ as one that would ensure a harmonious relationship between herders and farmers, and protect the South-West environment.

    Obasa suggested that the proposal should make provision for the registration of herders and prepare them for ranching.

    On the VAT bill, the Speaker said it would lead to an increase in revenue and infrastructure development in line with fiscal federalism.

    He urged the Lagos government to do everything legally possible to ensure that the judgement of a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt is sustained up to the Supreme Court.

    Obasa lamented that while the state generates about N500 billion annually and others in the South-West generate around N300 billion, they are all paltry amounts to the federal government.

    Bisi Yusuff, representing Alimosho 1 lamented the havoc herdsmen have caused in the region.

    He said farmers are now afraid to visit their farms, with many now indebted because it is difficult to pay back loans.

    Yusuff condemned cattle roaming, the fear and accidents they cause, and advocated stiffer penalties for herders carrying firearms.

    Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 2) called open grazing in the 21st century an aberration.

    Joseph said the bill would ensure peaceful coexistence, reduce crime and help to guide the activities of herders.

    Olumoh Lukman (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1) suggested that the High Court or a Special Court handle cases from the enforcement of the bill when passed and signed.

    Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti Osa 2) decried how cows move about in a city like Lagos and confirmed the state has 250 hectares of land in Ikorodu and another 750 hectares on Epe for ranching.

    Tobun Abiodun (Epe 1) said it was common to see cattle going to school as if they want to learn.

    David Setonji (Badagry 2) recalled a time the lawmakers went to a school on an official visit, “We were embarrassed by cattle. We had to wait for the herder to move the cattle before we embarked on our oversight function”, Setonji added.

  • Grazing Route: You’re mentally handicapped – Soyinka blasts Buhari

    Grazing Route: You’re mentally handicapped – Soyinka blasts Buhari

    Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of suffering from “mental delusion.”

    Soyinka was reacting to Buhari’s review of Open Grazing routes in some state of the country.

    Berating Buhari for ordering a review of the grazing routes despite public outcry, Soyinka said the President may be suffering from noise deafening.

    Addressing a press conference in Lagos, Soyinka said: “It’s like there’s some delusion about this thing, a kind of mental delusion about this thing. What is it?

    “Perhaps the sound, the noise of the wedding bells (Yusuf Buhari) has contributed to the possible impairment of the hearing of the president of this nation. Because he does not seem to hear anything.”

    He wondered why Buhari was obsessed “about something which is being rejected, right, left and centre.”

    “Virtually the whole nation is screaming we do not want any open cattle grazing whether they go by the name cattle routes or grazing reserves.

    “Even the all-powerful and untouchable Miyetti Allah, patrons of the murderous Fulani herdsmen, have gone on record that ranching is it,” Soyinka said.

    Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of suffering from “mental delusion.”

    Soyinka was reacting to Buhari’s review of Open Grazing routes in some state of the country.

    Berating Buhari for ordering a review of the grazing routes despite public outcry, Soyinka said the President may be suffering from noise deafening.

    Addressing a press conference in Lagos, Soyinka said: “It’s like there’s some delusion about this thing, a kind of mental delusion about this thing. What is it?

    “Perhaps the sound, the noise of the wedding bells (Yusuf Buhari) has contributed to the possible impairment of the hearing of the president of this nation. Because he does not seem to hear anything.”

    He wondered why Buhari was obsessed “about something which is being rejected, right, left and centre.”

    “Virtually the whole nation is screaming we do not want any open cattle grazing whether they go by the name cattle routes or grazing reserves.

    “Even the all-powerful and untouchable Miyetti Allah, patrons of the murderous Fulani herdsmen, have gone on record that ranching is it,” Soyinka said.

    Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka has accused President Muhammadu Buhari of suffering from “mental delusion.”

    Soyinka was reacting to Buhari’s review of Open Grazing routes in some state of the country.

    Berating Buhari for ordering a review of the grazing routes despite public outcry, Soyinka said the President may be suffering from noise deafening.

    Addressing a press conference in Lagos, Soyinka said: “It’s like there’s some delusion about this thing, a kind of mental delusion about this thing. What is it?

    “Perhaps the sound, the noise of the wedding bells (Yusuf Buhari) has contributed to the possible impairment of the hearing of the president of this nation. Because he does not seem to hear anything.”

    He wondered why Buhari was obsessed “about something which is being rejected, right, left and centre.”

    “Virtually the whole nation is screaming we do not want any open cattle grazing whether they go by the name cattle routes or grazing reserves.

    “Even the all-powerful and untouchable Miyetti Allah, patrons of the murderous Fulani herdsmen, have gone on record that ranching is it,” Soyinka said.

  • Fulani Group warns Southern Govs against ban on Open Grazing

    Fulani Group warns Southern Govs against ban on Open Grazing

    A Fulani group, Gan Allah Fulani Development Association, GAFDAN, has warned against the resolution of Southern governors to ban open grazing.

    GAFDAN said a ban on open grazing would lead to a breakdown of peace between Northerners and Southerners.

    The group insisted that the decision of the governors would groom hatred between Southerners and Northerners.

    Southern governors under the umbrella of the Southern Governors’ Forum, SGF, had agreed to ban open grazing in their region.

    During their meeting in Lagos State, the governors agreed that the ban would take effect from September 1.

    However, GAFDAN’s National Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, described the resolution as unfortunate and capable of affecting Nigeria’s unity.

    Abdullahi said the resolution was impossible because they have not made an alternative plan for herders.

    According to Abdullahi: “If you stop open grazing in the South, you are simply saying that those people should move to the North or they should move to other parts of the country. What happens if those in the North also ask the Southerners to leave?

    “Are we promoting unity or hatred? What the governors are saying is practically impossible and it does not promote the unity of this country.

    “You don’t stop people’s means of living and expect peace to reign. So, the implication is that the unity of Nigeria is going to be in question.

    “You don’t expect those that will be affected to return to the North and live in peace with people from the South living in the North”.

  • Again, Southern Govs Meet, Open Grazing, Restructuring to Top Agenda

    Again, Southern Govs Meet, Open Grazing, Restructuring to Top Agenda

    Seventeen governors of Nigeria’s southern states will on Monday converge on Lagos for the second time this year to continue their search for solution to the myriad of problems confronting the country.
    At the last meeting, hosted by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and attended by 15 of the 17 southern governors, they arrived at a 12-point resolution, which included the banning of open grazing in all the states.

    Sources said the meeting on Monday in Lagos would examine the progress made regarding the Asaba Declaration, examine oppositions to some of the demands and come up with a better strategy for actualising the demands.

    The source said: “The governors are working towards a better Southern Nigeria within the Nigerian nation. This meeting is in continuation of that agenda. It is a continuation of the meeting held in Asaba. The southern governors will be looking at the gains of the last meeting and come up with their next move.
    “You know the southern governors agreed that the progress of the nation requires that urgent and bold steps be taken towards the restructuring of the Nigerian federation leading to the devolution of power.

    They want inclusive government at the federal level, state police, a review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national governments, and creation of some other institutions, which will legitimately advance commitment to the practice of true federalism. Strategies are needed to actualise all these. This is why they are meeting again in Lagos.”

    Another source close to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is chief host, said in the spirit of Lagos hospitality, the Lagos governor has promised to provide a conducive environment for the 17 governors to brainstorm properly.
    During the first meeting in Asaba, the southern governors resolved to ban all forms of open grazing in the southern states of the country.

    Although, the governors came short of calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to reshuffle heads of top agencies to reflect federal character against the backdrop of the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nature of Nigeria, they urged the President to ensure that the sensibilities of the people were respected and reflected in federal appointments.

    While affirming the commitment of the peoples of Southern Nigeria to “the unity of the country on the basis of fairness, equity and oneness,” the governors expressed grave concern about the security challenge plaguing the country and charged the President to act decisively to address the situation.
    Specifically, the governors of the southern states called on President Buhari to convoke a national conference to address the insecurity and other challenges in order to restore the confidence of the citizens in the Nigerian geo-political entity.

    The communiqué said that the southern governors “observed that incursion of armed herders, criminals and bandits into the southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives, including pursuing various productive activities leading to a threat to food supply and general security.”
    But the federal government responded, saying the southern governors’ proposed plan to enforce the ban on open grazing “is of questionable legality.”

  • Gov Ortom Insists on Anti Open Grazing as Buhari Sets to Review Land Use Act

    Gov Ortom Insists on Anti Open Grazing as Buhari Sets to Review Land Use Act

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has declared that his administration would not key into the proposed Land Use Act embarked upon by the Federal Government.

    The Governor made this disclosure at the Government House Makurdi when he received on a courtesy visit officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, NSCDC, led by the Zonal Commander, Mr Halilu Alhassan.

    Ortom restated his administration’s resolve to stand on the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, which according to him is the best global practice in rearing of animals.

    He pointed out that the present administration under his watch would continue to work with security operatives to tackle insecurity and other forms of criminality in the state.

    Relatedly, the Governor has debunked the allegation by the leadership of Miyetti Allah that their cattles were being rustled and taken away by people of the state.

    He described the allegation as baseless, adding that his administration has stood firm against stealing of livestock and wondered why the group has decided to blackmail his Government.

  • FG commences recovery of grazing routes

    FG commences recovery of grazing routes


    By Joyce Babayeju

    There seems to be no going back on the Federal Government’s stance on recovering grazing routes across the country, as it has been exclusively gathered that efforts have commenced to retrace about 415 grazing routes along the grazing reserves.

    The Acting Director, Animal Husbandry Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Winnie Lai-Solarin, who disclosed that most of the grazing routes have been encroached, said government will put into consideration if infrastructure on the routes are of public benefits like universities, general hospitals and others, but if otherwise, they would be retrieved back.

    Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari recently approved the return to open grazing practiced during the first republic where herdsmen used designated grazing routes to move cattle to other states.

    In furtherance of this, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono revealed that about 19 grazing reserves with an approximately 400,000 hectares of land in 10 states have already been earmarked for the pilot phase for the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), The 10 states are Taraba, Adamawa, Benue, Plateau, Nassarawa, Zamfara, Kaduna, Gombe, Kebbi and Oyo.

    The minister said about 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory had subscribed to the NLTP programme, noting that when fully implemented, it will bring to an end the incessant clashes between the farmers and herdsmen, and it will at the same time introduces the herders to modern way of raising their cattle.

    While ruling out plans of carving-out new grazing routes, Lai-Solarin said it has become necessary to retrace back all the grazing routes because of the ongoing massive development of the grazing reserves, adding that it would be important to create routes for the cattle to come into the reserves.

    “We are not creating any stock route, there is primary and secondary stock routes, but most of them have been encroached upon, we are not establishing new ones, but the existing grazing reserves will be retraced, especially for those one still available. Most of the stock routes lead to the grazing reserves.

    “So, with the development of the grazing reserves, the grazing routes that have been encroached will be retraced or if the encroachment is for public good like universities will be left, but for places where there are encroachment that are not for public goods, the route will be retraced for easy movement of the cattle,” she said.

    Lai-Solarin confirmed that the Federal Government is starting the development of the grazing reserves in 10 states with plans to extend to other states when it becomes necessary, noting that the aim is to have at least one grazing reserve in each states of the federation.

    She disclosed that there is already massive development of grazing reserves in Niger State, just as Katchia and Ladiga grazing reserves are also being developed.

    The Acting Director also confirmed that work has started in Wawa-Zange grazing reserve, Gombe State, disclosing that government has put in place both the veterinary and human clinics, with the development of the earth dams for livestock and pasture’s usage.

    She said for the current year, they would put in place milk collection centres and borehole to service all the facilities, as water is a big challenge in the state.

    The Acting Director further noted that the state government has also set up a committee to manage the grazing reserves through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

    It should be noted that grazing reserves development is one of the arms of the National Transformation Plan of the livestock industry. Other transformation programme includes the National Dairy Programme, where herders come into the grazing reserves; there is National Breed Improvement Programme and the National Pasture Programme. This is because improved milk production is dependent on availability of pasture and water.
    The ultimate goal of the Federal Government, based on information is to encourage pastoralists to move from the extensive practice to the semi-intensive practice that would enable them have improved breed, more yields, thereby improve their productivity.

    Lai-Solarin said: “I want to remind us that we didn’t get here in one day, it’s going be a long term thing, so we are asking for patience. The livestock industry has suffered neglect for the past 40 years, look at where we are coming from and the time it took us, but we are steadily moving with the support of the President and the minister. We are moving and we are moving fast.”

    She said the ministry is collaborating with the Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and all other pastoral groups, to ensure government is reaching the right people, so that sustainability is assured. “If the association can be collaborating with us in capacity building on the use of the facilities we have put in place and linking the livestock farmers to the market, then it is okay,” she stated.

  • Miyetti Allah gives Southern Governors conditions to accept ban on Open Grazing

    Miyetti Allah gives Southern Governors conditions to accept ban on Open Grazing

    Miyetti Allah has said that the ban on open grazing by the Governors of Southern Nigeria will remain ineffective until an alternative to grazing is provided for the herders.

    South East Chairman of Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Gidado Siddiki, said this in response to the call by former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, on all the states Houses of Assembly in South East Nigeria to enact anti-grazing law in their respective states.

    Gidado Siddiki mentioned that they were not opposed to ban on open grazing but that the public hearing on constitution review should grant all parties the right to make submissions for a law against open grazing.

    “We were not given the chance to go for the Constitution review public hearing, we went there but nobody gave us an audience to talk. We did not submit a petition,” he said.

    He noted that the South East leaders are yet to provide ranching as an alternative for herders in conducting their business, hence the reason such decision will remain ineffective.

    Siddiki said: “Our position is that we are not opposed to the ban on open grazing, but at least we need an alternative.

    “You know when somebody is doing business and you stop him from doing that business, he would be given an alternative on what to do.

    “When you say that you have banned open grazing, you need to tell us how we should graze our cows because what we know is grazing. If there is an alternative, there is no problem, and that is the only thing we are begging for.”

    He urged the governors to call on all parties in making laws in respect to open grazing, adding that there is no provision for ranching in most states which poses a problem to herders.

    “If open grazing is bringing problems, let us find ways we can coexist.

    “If there is provision for ranching, we can do ranching but I do not think there is provision for ranching in states. Even Benue State that banned open grazing, I don’t think there has been any ranching in Benue State in all these years.

    “So, I don’t know if there is provision and that is our own problem,” the Miyettl Allah leader said.