In a significant move towards resolving the longstanding farmer-herder crisis, Professor Attahiru Jega’s committee has submitted its report on livestock reforms to President Bola Tinubu. The 152-page document, presented at the State House Abuja on Thursday, outlines measures to mitigate clashes between farmers and herders, promote agricultural productivity, and enhance the livestock industry in Nigeria ¹.
*Key Recommendations*
– *Coexistence of Open Grazing and Ranching*: The committee suggests that both methods can coexist in the short term, until adequate infrastructure and awareness enable the adoption of full ranching.
– *Ten-Year Plan*: A comprehensive plan to guide the government towards remarkable improvements in the livestock industry.
– *Technology Adoption*: Emphasis on leveraging technology to boost livestock production.
– *Federal Ministry of Livestock*: Detailed guidance on the operations of the newly created ministry.
According to Professor Jega, immediate cessation of open grazing would be counterproductive, given its traditional significance in pastoralism. Instead, the committee advocates for a gradual transition to ranching, facilitated by infrastructure development and awareness campaigns ¹.
The report is expected to be made public soon, inviting further inputs from the public. President Tinubu, who inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms in July, has expressed commitment to implementing the recommendations ².
The committee’s submission marks a crucial step towards addressing the decades-long farmer-herder crisis, which has claimed over 60,000 lives since 2001. With the proposed reforms, Nigeria aims to promote agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and stimulate economic growth ¹.
