The Federal Government on Tuesday
disclosed that it is working towards establishing “Ruga Settlements” for
herdsmen in 12 pilot states nationwide.
Alh. Mohammadu Umar, the
Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said that the farm
settlements, when fully established, would address the incessant clashes
between Fulani cattle rearers and farmers.
Umar explained that the pilot
programme had already commenced on a 31000-hectare land in Kotongora, Niger
state.
According to him, the required
facilities for a basic life and treatment of cattle are being provided to
enhance productivity.
He said that the government would
replicate the programme in selected states as work “is ongoing in the 12 pilot
states”.
According to him, six settlements
will be established in each of the pilot states.
Umar, who added that the centres
would be expanded and adequately equipped, assured the beneficiaries that
government would do all that was necessary to enlighten the herdsmen on how the
use of ranches could make cattle rearing more profitable.
He said that the government would
sensitise the herdsmen to the social and political benefits derivable from such
settlements.
The permanent secretary stated
that various spots would also be established for the pastoralists to be able to
milk their cows.
Who're these herdsmen the government is spear heading to settle in 'Ruga Settlement?' Are they Nigerian Fulanis or some foreigners from some West African countries? Cattle rearing as far as I know is a private business, I can't understand why the FG's so much involved in creating settlement for them. Cattle rearers should negotiate for land from any State government with the intent of developing such as ranch. In a situation whereby any State refused to give land, the matter ends there. No forcing or twisting I of hand from those States that refuses to give land. After all,cattle rearing is a business as farming.
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