Open Grazing: Months after Wike’s threat, See what cows are doing in FCT

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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), made a commitment to stop open grazing in Abuja on August 23, 2024, which was precisely one year ago today.

“We will consult with the herdsmen to see how we will stop [open grazing] because we cannot allow cows inside the city,” Mr Wike had said in August 2023.

In March 2024, Mr. Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, reaffirmed this position in a meeting with Daniel Bertrand, the Belgian ambassador to Nigeria.

Over the previous 16 months, ZINGTIE kept an eye on key locations in the city and satellite towns to evaluate how the policy was being applied. The results show that cows continue to graze in urban areas.

In August 2024, a large herd of cattle was sighted surrounding the Defence Headquarters, moving majestically in the centre of the road during working hours.

In a similar vein, another herd was observed in September 2024, directly across from the entrance of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, near the recently built Vice Presidential home.

Similar cow sightings have occurred throughout the city in spite of Wike’s assurances and threats while serving as minister.

When cows blocked the road near the traffic light outside the Defence Headquarters, Shefiu Adio, a city resident and cab driver, told ZINGTIE, “The minister is gradually coming to terms with the ‘politics of cattle’ within the context of Nigeria.”

Mr. Adio clarified that discussions on cows have became extremely politicised, and that the minister’s directive is perceived as specifically targeting Northerners, who are primarily involved in cattle rearing.

“Wike must understand how delicate the situation is in Nigeria when it comes to cows. “In Rivers State, that order would have been obeyed without question. However, in Abuja, seen as the capital where everyone is equal, his directive would be seen as an attack against northerners,” Mr Adio said, as many passengers in his vehicle fumed over the audacity of the herders.

Open grazing was seen by ZINGTIE in 16 different areas of the city, including Guzape and Asokoro Extension. Herders graze their cows on the meadows that grow beside the Airport Road.

These cows are publicly referred to as “government children” by many locals.

Some locals are hopeful that more workable solutions may result from the Ministry of Livestock’s recent establishment.

“Rapid urbanisation is not helping matters. Many Fulani communities have been displaced, and areas that once provided grasses for cows now have estates on them,” According to a phone chat with Umar Ubandawaki, who owns a cow booth in Deidei Market.

Developers have displaced numerous herders’ villages in Katampe, Sabo Lugbe, and other quickly developing locations, according to information obtained by ZINGTIE.

Mr. Ubandawaki stated, “The minister should provide better solutions instead of threats.”

Mr. Wike has previously made statements that were mainly disregarded.

He gave the order to remove beggars from most areas of the city a few months ago.

They were taken out by force in certain cases. Nonetheless, the beggars continue to occupy a number of locations throughout the FCT.

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