Northern Elders Ask FG To Set Up Pastoralist Commission

• The Northern Elders Forum urges the Federal Government to establish a National Pastoralist Commission to protect Nigerian herdsmen’s interests
• NEF calls for policies supporting the transition from open grazing to ranching while ensuring pastoral communities’ well-being and addressing security issues

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has urged the Federal Government to establish a National Pastoralist Commission to protect the interests of Nigerian herdsmen. This call comes amid ongoing debates over a proposed law to phase out open grazing and create ranching agencies, which has sparked mixed reactions nationwide.

In a statement by its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the NEF emphasized the need for special initiatives to address the concerns and challenges herders face. Suleiman pointed out that previous governments have created agencies, ministries, and programs like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) to tackle issues affecting specific communities in the South.

The NEF suggested that similar efforts should be made to support pastoral communities through special funds and policies to improve their livelihoods.

“The Northern Elders Forum 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, we are aware of the concerns raised by some northern senators about the potential impact of the proposed law on the livelihoods of pastoralists in the region,” the statement read.

The NEF called for meaningful dialogue and consultation among stakeholders to find a balanced solution considering all parties’ interests. The Forum advocated for policies and programs that support the transition from open grazing to ranching while ensuring the well-being of pastoral communities and addressing environmental and security issues.

Given the disagreements in the National Assembly, the NEF emphasized the need for a collaborative and inclusive decision-making process. They also urged the Federal and State Governments to identify suitable lands for grazing reserves and cattle routes and to use existing legal provisions to expropriate land if necessary.

“We propose the proclamation of a National Policy on Grazing and Livestock Development (NPGLD) to cater to the needs of pastoral communities nationwide,” the statement continued.

The NEF also called for a Special Intervention Initiative through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and relevant ministries to support livestock development policies and establish special funds for pastoral communities, similar to the Anchor Borrowers Programme.

The NEF concluded by advocating for the immediate creation of a National Pastoralist Commission (NPC) to address all matters affecting the welfare and interests of citizens dependent on livestock rearing. They drew parallels with structures like OMPADEC, NDDC, the Ministry of Niger Delta, and the Amnesty Programme, which were created to resolve specific challenges in the South, arguing there is no justification for resisting similar initiatives for herdsmen if it leads to lasting peace and stability.