The Federal Government’s policy on modern way of livestock production
for improved agriculture sector in Nigeria has received a boost.
This followed the recommendations submitted by a 14-member committee set
up by the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, to study the policy.
At a joint consultative forum of Plateau State Peace Building Agency
and Traditional Council of Chiefs held at the New Government House in
Little Rayfield on Wednesday, the stakeholders embraced the policy,
saying the controversy that has greeted the policy was due largely for
lack of proper awareness.
The Plateau State Peace Building Agency and Traditional Council of
Chiefs formally held a consultation and dialogue meeting with
traditional rulers to finetune arrangements for the proposed take off of
the ranch pilot scheme in Plateau State.
Welcoming stakeholders to the session, Governor Lalong said in his
desire to run an all inclusive government, he has decided to constitute
the conflict management resolution bureau to continue to mediate and
enhance unity among the people.
He said it became imperative to engage the bureau made up of CAN,
JNI, Professors, Lawyers and traditional rulers in the ongoing
consultation on the ranching policy so that they will follow up to find
out the concept associated with the policy.
He said: “We want peace.
“And from here we will engage other stakeholders and the people in
general as it is recommended by the committee’s interaction with the
Minister of Agriculture to let them understand that the scheme is for
every body.”
He said the policy is not compulsory for anybody or state but he decided
to involve Plateau State because it was agreed at the National Assembly
and the budget has already been approved for it.
However, those who spoke, according to their findings, Prof. Ochakpa
Onazi, Prof. Dakkas C. Dakkas and Prof. Garba Sharbutu, said the policy
has greater advantage to citizens.
They said the Minister of Agriculture was thoroughly engaged on both
the security and legal implications and they were convinced beyond
reasonable doubt that if the policy is properly handled, it will stand
the test of time.
Prof. Dakkas, on the legal aspect, said the misconceptions and
misunderstanding of the people on the policy is the insinuation that it
is the All Progressives Congress and President Muhammadu Buhari’s design
to grab land for the Fulanis.
They described it as a fallacy.
According to him: “The general apprehension and misconception is that
government wants to come in to grab and take people’s land, but the
governor also knows that the Land Use Act of 1978 will not allow anybody
to take over your land.
“Government will work with community leaders, land owners towards the purpose.”
