Alia vows to strengthen Benue anti open grazing law, seek FG backing 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Benue state governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Friday, has said that the operationalization of Anti-open law will be upheld and called on the federal government to initiate national legislation that could strengthen anti open grazing law across Nigeria. 

Governor Alia said this against the backdrop of concerns in the State that the law is no longer operational. 

The Governor who spoke at the first Benue Livestock Summit in Makurdi on Friday, urged the federal government to move a national legislation  to promote anti open grazing

He maintained that for many years, Livestock development has been relegated to the background despite its potential to contribute to the State GDP, reiterating his government’s commitment to changing this narrative to focus on Livestock development.

“With 25,500 Sq km Benue is ready to collaborate with the ministry of Livestock Development in Livestock production especially cattle and other ruminants. We intend to build 10 feed mills and hatcheries in the three (3) Senatorial districts of the State.

“The failure to develop model ranches in collaboration with farmers and the private sector has hindered livestock growth. We are poised to close this gap by operationalizing ranches and empowering farmers to expand beyond subsistence backyard livestock rearing.

“I also wish to reaffirm our administration’s commitment to the Prohibition of Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 (as amended). It is my hope that the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development will take the lead in national legislative reforms to prohibit open grazing and promote ranch establishment nationwide.

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“This 1st Benue Livestock Summit marks the formal launch of a strategic partnership between Benue State, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and global livestock stakeholders.

“A revitalized livestock sector will not only address food insecurity but also create wealth and vast value-chain opportunities, making Nigeria a key player in the global livestock industry. Benue is fully aligned with this vision.

Earlier, Minister for Livestock  Development Idi Maiha said the Federal Government is interested in Livestock development in Benue State, with the vast opportunities that abound in the State. 

He noted that the trajectory for sustainable economic development of the State is in place and urged the state government to leverage on this by reawakening its Livestock sector. 

The minister added that the establishment of the  Livestock ministry is a clarion call to national transformation, intimating that already several countries have indicated interest including Qatar and Brazil government in the 5 year developmental plans with Benue State being the first destination point. 

“We intend to reactivate the grazing reserves and turn them to ranches with all amenities provided. We have asked all sub nationals to provide land for ranches.

“I have told the Governor to give 1000 hectare of land which the Qatari government is ready to pay. The Brazilian government is also interested in choice of land and Benue will benefit from this. In all these, we need peace and dialogue to achieve a lot. 

The director General, Bureau for Livestock Development, Trans Border and Animal Control, Aondoakaa Asambe emphasised the need to reposition and transform the Livestock sector as a critical component of Nigeria economy.

He noted further that the sector is facing problems like finance, inefficiency to produce  farmer- herder clashes and climate change.

“There is the need for engagement that will shape solid action. We should go beyond rhetoric and take drastic steps in Livestock production. 

“We should embrace innovation, strategic action and strengthen partnership with local and International organizations”, Asambe said.