Breaking the Impasse: Why State-Led Anti-Open Grazing Bills are the Key to Sustainable Peace in Nigeria’s Farmers-Herdsmen Crisis

By Nwonye Ndubuisi Thankgod

08167006983; 08078963548
[email protected]

The lingering farmers-herdsmen crisis in Nigeria has reached a boiling point, with the recent division among northern senators over the Anti-Open Grazing Bill serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a lasting solution. I keep on noting, the crisis is rooted in a complex web of historical, environmental, ethnic, and economic factors that defy a one-size-fits-all approach.

The Land Use Act of 1978, which vested land ownership in state governments, provides a solid foundation for a state-led solution. By passing and signing anti-open grazing bills into law, creating state anti-open grazing commissions, recruiting security task forces, and empowering them to prosecute offenders, state governments can take the lead in resolving this crisis.

This approach is not only constitutional but also pragmatic, given the diverse cultural, geographical, and economic contexts across Nigeria. The southern and middle belt states, in particular, must seize this opportunity to protect their lands and citizens from the ravages of open grazing.

As global best practices in cattle farming shift towards ranching, Nigeria must follow suit to ensure sustainable peace and economic development. The continued reliance on open grazing is a relic of the past, perpetuating conflict and undermining national security.

Let us heed the call to action and empower our state governments to take the reins in resolving the farmers-herdsmen crisis. The time for a national approach is over; it’s time for state-led solutions to take center stage.

Contact:
Nwonye Ndubuisi
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 08167006983, 08078963548