Group Seeks Clarity On FG’s Ranching Plan In Benue

The Tiv Professionals Association in Abuja has appealed to the federal government to provide more clarifications on its proposed national ranching pilot scheme, particularly its plan for Benue State.

The association said the proposed scheme should take into consideration the security situation in communities affected by farmer-herder conflicts and the need to resettle displaced residents before ranching projects are established.

In a statement signed by its president, Engr. Abraham Aku, and general secretary, Jacob Gwaza Akaanan, the group said the federal government had identified Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Adamawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the pilot scheme.

It said that while it was not opposed to ranching as an agricultural enterprise, the implementation of the policy should be voluntary, legally secured and consistent with existing land-use laws in the affected states.

The association argued that Benue had a strong comparative advantage in crop production, noting that the state had historically contributed significantly to Nigeria’s agricultural output.

It also recalled that the Benue State Government enacted the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in 2017, saying any Federal Government ranching initiative in the state should take the existing legislation into account.

The group expressed concern over communities displaced by insecurity in Benue, saying many residents remained in internally displaced persons’ camps and had yet to return to their homes and farms.

It therefore urged the Federal Government to prioritise security and the safe return of displaced persons, as well as any plans to establish ranches prioritizete.

“Before any discussion on the national ranching pilot scheme, the Federal Government must come up with a comprehensive proposal to relocate all the internally displaced persons to their homes and farms securely,” the statement said.

The association also called for consultations with affected communities, arguing that there should be no transfer of community land or compulsory change in land use without the involvement and consent of relevant authorities and communities.

It said Benue State should retain its lawful authority over land-use decisions. At the same time, the Federal Government should focus on national standards for animal health, investment, livestock markets, and environmental regulations.

The group further urged the government to consider the comparative advantages of northern states in commercial livestock production, citing their livestock traditions, extensive agricultural systems, irrigation facilities, livestock markets and solar potential.

It called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to protect the state’s interests while engaging with the Federal Government on the proposed ranching initiative.

The association said it was prepared to support constructive engagement on ranching, provided the policy respected existing laws, protected communities and addressed the security and displacement challenges confronting affected residents.