Establish national commission for herdsmen – Northern elders tells Tinubu

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has asked President Bola Tinubu led government to establish a National Pastoralist Commission to protect the interests of Nigerian herders.

In response to the ongoing debate over planned laws to phase out open grazing and establish ranching agencies, the NEF emphasises the need for a targeted programme to address herder concerns, similar to previous governmental interventions in Southern areas.

Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, in a statement on Sunday, highlighted the importance of creating policies and programmes to support pastoral communities, aiming to enhance their livelihoods.

The NEF stresses the significance of inclusive dialogue to find a balanced solution that considers the welfare of all stakeholders, advocating for a transition from open grazing to ranching while addressing environmental and security challenges.

Amidst disagreements in the National Assembly, the NEF calls for collaborative decision-making that respects diverse perspectives.

Additionally, it urges the identification of suitable lands for grazing reserves and cattle routes, proposing the proclamation of a National Policy on Grazing and Livestock Development (NPGLD) and the establishment of a Special Intervention Initiative through various government agencies.

The NEF also calls for the immediate establishment of a National Pastoralist Commission (NPC) to address the needs of livestock-rearing citizens.

Drawing parallels to previous governmental initiatives in the South, the NEF asserts the necessity of creating specialized structures to ensure lasting peace and stability in addressing the concerns of herdsmen.