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

President Bola Tinubu has hinted of his intentions of reviving the National Cattle Grazing Reserve Policy as a means to checkmate frequent crises between farmers and herdsmen.

He gave the hint on Monday, while flagging off the Food Security and Agricultural Mechanization Programme in Niger State.

According to the president, his administration remains committed to ensuring food sufficiency and protecting local industries for sustainable economic growth.

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 immediate past administration under Muhammadu Buhari had initiated steps to create grazing reserves in some parts of the country, mostly hit by farmers, herders crises, but some state governments rejected the scheme, attributing it as a ploy to annex lands.

Inaugurating the comprehensive agric project, in Niger State, Tinubu said the event represents another step in the food security and agricultural mechanization agenda, declaring that Nigeria must enhance its capacity to feed its people and have enough for export.

“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; re-orient our people. I do not see why Nigeria cannot feed all students in its schools,” the President said.

President Tinubu also urged sub-national governments, as an immediate intervention measure, to implement wage awards in their states to complement the efforts of the federal government in easing the burden of citizens, pending when the minimum wage is increased.

“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 action now, re-engineer the finances of our country and steer it on the right path.