As violent clashes between herders and farmers continue to claim lives across Nigeria, at least 11 states have taken steps to implement the Federal Government’s ranching initiative as a sustainable solution. The states include Lagos, Plateau, Ondo, Zamfara, Bauchi, Delta, Niger, Kano, Jigawa, Nasarawa, and Anambra.
Some of these states have already allocated land, while others are drafting policies or expressing readiness to partner with the Federal Government. The move follows a recent surge in killings, including the massacre of over 200 people in Yelewata, Benue State, reportedly by armed herders.
President Bola Tinubu attributed the attack to land-grabbing and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. He also set up a committee of elders, including former governors and traditional rulers, to promote peace, and directed the IGP and Chief of Defence Staff to arrest those responsible.
State Actions and Reactions:
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Lagos State: The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Emmanuel Audu, confirmed ongoing development of ranches and openness to federal collaboration. Lagos prohibits open grazing by law.
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Anambra State: Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, reiterated that the anti-open grazing law remains in force. Governor Soludo, a member of Tinubu’s economic team, is expected to support the initiative. However, some residents and activists oppose allocating land for what they consider private business.
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Ondo State: The government has not partnered with the FG but operates two ranches. Anti-open grazing laws remain active since 2020. The state welcomes private investors in ranching.
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Zamfara State: According to the governor’s aide, the state is ready to provide large expanses of land to support the project, given its long-standing herder-farmer clashes.
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Nasarawa State: Governor Abdullahi Sule confirmed the allocation of 22,000 hectares in Awe LGA for a model ranching hub. He urged FG to roll out the programme in all committed states.
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Plateau State: Special Adviser Yiljap Abraham revealed ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock Development. Ranching is being piloted in Wase and Kanam LGAs with plans to upgrade Jos abattoir.
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Adamawa State: The commissioner for livestock said the FG requested land for pasture, not specifically for ranching. The state has approved 800 hectares for pasture development across three grazing reserves.
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Gombe State: Following a N60bn FG release for an agro-livestock hub, residents expressed mixed reactions. While many support ranching for its potential to reduce conflict and improve productivity, rural leaders urge adequate consultation and provision of basic amenities.
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Akwa Ibom State: Residents supported ranching to reduce clashes and ensure food security. Some called for community cooperation in land donation.
States Undecided or Hesitant:
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Benue State: Though it enforces an anti-open grazing law and supports ranching in principle, the government has not decided on allocating land for FG ranches. Residents and stakeholders remain highly critical due to persistent violence.
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Edo State: Yet to decide on participation. An adviser to the governor highlighted the need to examine policy implications of accepting FG support.
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Kwara State: Ranching and open grazing are being combined. The state is providing water infrastructure for pastoral communities and producing feed. Farmers and residents largely prefer ranching.
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Oyo State: Enforces a strict anti-open grazing law. Commissioner Olasunkanmi Olaleye confirmed arrests and fines for violators, and ongoing land discussions for agricultural use.
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Bayelsa State: Anti-open grazing law is active. The government has allocated land for grazing but hasn't clarified plans for converting it into ranches. Farmers are divided, citing both potential benefits and risks of land grabbing.
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Imo State: The PDP opposed ranching, citing potential for conflict. However, academics support it, urging a legal framework and calling ranching a necessity to end violence and stimulate economic growth.
As states weigh in on the ranching initiative, civil society groups and residents across the country emphasize the need for transparency, infrastructure, stakeholder consultation, and legal safeguards to ensure the success of the initiative without exacerbating tensions.
ADEOLA KUNLE
