Jega committee opposes ban on open grazing, submit report to Tinubu

Jega committee opposes ban on open grazing, submit report to Tinubu

The Presidential Committee on Livestock Sector Reform has presented its initial report to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

Following the meeting on Thursday, the committee’s chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, who is a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), spoke with journalists.

He shared insights into how the Nigerian government could effectively tap into the livestock sector.

The 152-page document submitted outlines strategies to address the persistent clashes between farmers and herders.

Jega emphasized that an immediate ban on open grazing, a traditional pastoral practice, would be counterproductive at this stage.

Instead, the committee advocates for the coexistence of both open grazing and ranching in the short term, allowing time for public awareness and the development of infrastructure needed to fully implement ranching practices.

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The committee proposed a ten-year plan for significant improvements in the livestock industry and suggested the integration of advanced technology to enhance livestock production.

The report also provides detailed recommendations on the operations of the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock, as announced by President Tinubu.

The committee’s report will soon be made public to gather additional input from stakeholders.

President Tinubu inaugurated the committee in July, tasking it with tackling the challenges hindering agricultural productivity and unlocking new opportunities for stakeholders across the livestock-farming value chain, including farmers, herders, processors, and distributors.

Jega committee opposes ban on open grazing, submit report to Tinubu