The Benue State Government has declared its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government on its new policy on livestock management.
It also called for expedited action on the transmission of a comprehensive legislative framework to the National Assembly to ensure uniform implementation across the country.
Director General of the Bureau of Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, Dr Aondoakaa Asambe, stated this on Thursday while commending President Bola Tinubu for the pronouncement prohibiting open grazing and adopting ranching as the sustainable model for livestock production.
Tinubu, while declaring an emergency on security on Wednesday, also directed herders to surrender illegal weapons.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, in July, stated that the law prohibiting open grazing in the state was difficult to enforce unless it became a national law.
Speaking on Tinubu’s order, Asambe encouraged the Federal Government to expedite the transmission of a comprehensive legislative framework to the National Assembly to ensure uniform implementation across the country.
“The framework will provide legal backing for the transition to ranching, and strengthen national efforts aimed at peacebuilding, productivity, and sustainable development,” he said.
Asambe described the policy as a bold and visionary step to address the incessant attacks on farmers by herders.
The statement read, “Benue State, under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, is already taking progressive steps in aligning with global best practices for livestock management and remains ready to collaborate fully with the Federal Government.
“The state describes the President’s declaration as a bold and visionary step capable of addressing the persistent herders’ attacks on farmlands, farmers and farming communities, enhancing national security, and transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector into a modern, productive, and globally competitive enterprise.”
Asambe said the assurance of the President to work closely with the states to provide the necessary support to resolve the challenge was timely and commendable.
The state government expressed optimism that the pronouncement would be followed by coordinated and sustained action, stating that open grazing had evolved into a significant security and socio-economic concern requiring clear policy direction backed by enforceable law.
Asambe added that the country was at a significant turning point and expressed hope that with the right blend of policy, legislation and collaboration, the initiative would deliver lasting peace, improved livelihoods and renewed confidence in the future of the nation’s livestock industry.
