Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has confirmed that the administration is in talks with the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Livestock, Idi Maiha, to end cattle grazing within the city.
Wike, who stated this during a monthly media chat yesterday in Abuja, added that the FCT Administration is also in talks with the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria to find a more permanent solution.
He described cattle rearing as a national security issue, which he said prompted the involvement of the NSA, adding that the most feasible solution would be to create ranches for cattle rearers to relocate to outside the city centre.
“Yes, the discussions are ongoing, and in fact, with the Minister of Livestock. We are trying to provide where some of these cows will be taken, what you call ranching.
“We are also talking to Miyetti Allah and other stakeholders. It has a lot of implications and that is why I said it is a national security issue. I believe that in the near future, it will be sorted out.
“The Minister of Livestock is collaborating with us and other security agencies to see that this matter is put to rest. The only thing you can do is ranching, there is no other solution,” he said.
Wike’s remarks came a month after Maiha disclosed plans by the federal government to revitalise grazing reserves across the country, during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure at Kawu Grazing Reserve in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT.
The minister also disclosed that a decision had been reached for herders to comply with relocation measures that would move cattle currently roaming the city centre, into the grazing reserve.
He said the resolve followed consultations with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, MACBAN and the Sultan of Sokoto.
