Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has proposed the proclamation of a National Policy on Grazing and Livestock Development (NPGLD), particularly the establishment of a National Pastoralist Commission (NPC).
The forum said its proposal was informed by the ongoing debate in the National Assembly over the proposed law to end open grazing in the country and establish ranching agencies, which has brought to light differing views among legislators.
NEF, in a statement issued by its director of publicity and advocacy Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, noted that while the bill has passed the first reading and is currently at the second reading stage, some northern senators, led by Senator Adamu Aliero, have vehemently expressed their opposition to it.
The NEF said it recognises the importance of addressing the challenges posed by open grazing and the need for a more sustainable and modern approach to livestock management. The forum, however, said it is aware of the concerns raised by some northern senators regarding the potential impact of the proposed law on the livelihoods of pastoralists in the region.
“NEF believes that all stakeholders must engage in meaningful dialogue and consultation to find a balanced and acceptable solution that considers the interests of all parties involved.
“The Forum advocates for the development of policies and programs that support the transition from open grazing to ranching in a manner that ensures the well-being of pastoral communities while also addressing the environmental and security issues associated with open grazing.
In light of the disagreements in the National Assembly on the subject matter, NEF called for a collaborative and inclusive approach to decision-making that considers all stakeholders’ diverse perspectives and concerns.”
Meanwhile, NEF said the federal and state governments should immediately identify suitable lands across the country and create grazing reserves and cattle routes, and where resistance is shown, to expropriate such land as may be required for the purpose through resort to extant provisions of the Land Use Act and other related laws.
“We propose the proclamation of a National Policy on Grazing and Livestock Development (NPGLD) to cater for the needs of all the pastoral communities everywhere in the country.
“We call for the immediate proclamation of a Special Intervention Initiative through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Ministries of Finance, National Planning, Agriculture and Water Resources, for supporting special livestock development policies and the establishment of special funds to support pastoral communities along the lines of the Anchor Borrowers Programme and other types of Federal Government interventions“.
NEF further called for the immediate establishment of a National Pastoralist Commission (NPC) to act on all matters affecting the well-being and interests of all citizens whose livelihoods depend on livestock rearing.
NEF noted that successive governments have found it expeditious to establish structures like OMPADEC, NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta, the Amnesty Programme, etc aimed at resolving a specific set of challenges affecting specific communities in the South, stressing that, „there is, therefore, no justification whatsoever to resist or even question the creation of special initiatives to address the needs of herdsmen if these will lead to lasting peace and stability“.