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Open grazing “no longer sustainable” in the country- NGF
By Modupe Shodeinde
The Northern Governor’s Forum (NGF) has stated that the system of herding through open grazing, is no longer sustainable in the country.
The governors spoke during an emergency meeting held virtually on Monday to discuss issues affecting the region and the country.
According to a communique released on Tuesday, the chairman of the Forum, Simon Lalong, said there was concern over the tension generated by the eviction order issued to herdsmen in some parts of the country.
The governors noted that there were threats of reprisal which the governors are “working assiduously to contain”.
To resolve this, the decision to sensitise the herders on the need to approach modern methods of taking care of their cattle was arrived at.
Also, the Forum urged the Federal Government to support the states with grants to facilitate pilot projects on modern livestock production.
Part of the communiqué read, “Consequently, the forum resolved to aggressively sensitise herdsmen to the need to adapt new methods of herding by ranching or other acceptable modern methods.
“It appeals to the Federal Government to support states with grants to directly undertake pilot projects of modern livestock production that will serve as springboard and evidence for breaking resistance to the full implementation of new methods of livestock production.
“The Forum resolved to engage elders and youths in a robust discussion with a view to dousing the tense security environment in the North. Accordingly, a four-man committee was put in place to be headed by the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum.”
The governors called on leaders including “those in the southern parts of the country where passion is high”, to excercise restraint.
Citizens of the north were also urged to continue to live in peace with all Nigerians, irrespective of their origins and backgrounds.
