To protect the interests of Nigerian ranchers, the Federal Government has been requested to establish a National Pastoralist Commission by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF).
The proposed law that would gradually phase out open grazing and establish ranching agency is currently being debated, and different stakeholders around the nation have differing opinions on it. The NEF made this call during this time.
Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the NEF’s Director of Publicity and Advocacy, stated in a statement that a unique approach is required to address the issues and difficulties that herders experience.
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They emphasised that earlier administrations had established the NDDC and OMPADEC, among other organisations, ministries, and programmes, to deal with challenges impacting certain populations in the South.
The government should set up particular funds and programmes to support pastoral communities and improve their standard of living, the NEF further advised.
The statement reads in parts: “The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) recognizes the importance of addressing the challenges posed by open grazing and the need for a more sustainable and modern approach to livestock management. However, the Forum 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 it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and consultation to find a balanced and acceptable solution that takes into account the interests of all parties involved.
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“In light of the disagreements in the National Assembly on this matter, NEF calls for a collaborative and inclusive approach to decision-making that considers the diverse perspectives and concerns of all stakeholders.
“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.
“We call for the immediate setting up of a National Pastoralist Commission (NPC) to act on all matters affecting the wellbeing and interests of all citizens whose livelihoods depend on livestock rearing.
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“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. 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.”
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