The Nigerian government has initiated a new effort to address the long-standing conflict between herders and farmers over land, pasture, and water access. On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Resources during the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms at the State House in Abuja.
The creation of this ministry is seen as a significant step towards resolving the conflicts that have plagued Nigeria for years. President Tinubu expressed optimism about the potential for this ministry to bring about a solution, stating, “Who says the solution is far? I say, ‘No, the solution is here.’ Majority of you have great experience and you want Nigeria to prosper.”
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality and safety of livestock products from farm to market, aiming to reduce food waste and ensure a stable supply. He assured that the Federal Government is prepared to cover the costs of acquiring land to facilitate peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and farmers.
In addition to chairing the committee on livestock reforms, Tinubu appointed former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Attahiru Jega, as the deputy chairman. The committee’s mandate includes proposing recommendations to foster peaceful coexistence and enhance the security and economic well-being of Nigerians.
This announcement follows the establishment of the presidential committee on herders and farmers’ clashes, which Tinubu approved 10 months ago after receiving a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria. The committee, led by APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, presented 21 recommendations, including the creation of the new ministry.
Previous government measures, such as the controversial Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) initiative, failed to resolve the persistent conflicts, which have resulted in significant loss of life, including recent violence in Plateau State. The conflicts are often portrayed as ethno-religious clashes between Muslim herders and predominantly Christian farmers, but climate change and expanding agriculture are also key contributing factors.
The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Resources represents a renewed effort to address these complex issues and promote sustainable solutions for the benefit of all Nigerians.