Persistent farmer-herders crises: Tinubu hints at reviving cattle grazing reserves

Reviving the National Cattle Grazing Reserve Policy is one way President Bola Tinubu plans to end the regular conflicts between farmers and herdsmen.

On Monday, he hinted at the plan when announcing the Niger State Food Security and Agricultural Mechanisation Programme.

The president claims his administration is still dedicated to guaranteeing food security and defending regional businesses to promote long-term economic expansion.

His words, “I know what it means for roaming cows to eat crops and the vegetation of our land. I know it is painful. But when we re-orient the herder and make provision for cattle rearing, we can address that. You are the governors who are to provide us with land. I, as President, I’m committed to providing a comprehensive programme that will solve this problem”.

Recall that the previous administration, led by Muhammadu Buhari, had started the process of creating grazing reserves in areas of the nation that mainly were experiencing issues between farmers and herders. However, several state governments opposed the plan, claiming it was a ruse to seize land.

At the Niger State comprehensive agriculture project’s opening, Tinubu stated that Nigeria must increase its ability to feed its population and have enough for export, calling the occasion a step forward in the country’s strategy for food security and agricultural mechanisation.

“We have seen the level of commitment here. We have seen leadership. The success of any leader will depend on the ability to do what needs to be done when it ought to be done. It is now time for us to address the challenges and make Nigeria an economy of opportunities. We must care for our people and re-orient our people. I do not see why Nigeria cannot feed all students in its schools,” the President said.

In addition, President Tinubu asked state governments to establish salary awards as an urgent intervention to support federal efforts to lessen citizen burdens while waiting for a hike in the minimum wage.

“I am equally here to partner with you to banish hunger. You are doing the job. And it is necessary for me to support you; it is mandatory as Nigerians. When you read newspapers, some of us are confused about whether to abuse the past or the present or to make excuses for the future. But that is not in my dictionary. I think the action now is to re-engineer the finances of our country and steer it on the right path.

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