Experts fault northern governors’ approval of livestock transformation plan

Agricultural experts have faulted adoption of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) in place of Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) scheme by the Northern Governors Forum  (NGF), insisting that NLTP could not tackle continuous clashes between farmers and herdsmen.

They accused Chairman of the forum, Solomon Lalong, of not consulting widely before making the pronouncement.

Chief Executive Officer of NLTP, Ihechuckwu Chima, told journalists in Abuja yesterday that adoption of the NLTP was not enough to tackle regular herders, farmers’ clashes in the region.

He said some states like Zamfara and Kano had already concluded strategies for the establishment of Ruga settlement for Fulani herdsmen, saying the adoption of NLTP might disrupt their plans.

He attributed the public outcry against Ruga policy to government’s bypassing of policy formulation processes, which includes consultations, negotiations, dialogue and implementation.

Stressing the need for holistic approach in tackling security challenges in the North, Ihechuckwu said, “Nigerians want a permanent solution to the regular clashes between herders and farmers. RUGA has been in existence for many decades. It is easier to sell than NLTP because a lot of people don’t understand what the new plan is about.

“Food Work Africa already spent a lot of money to bring different stakeholders to Abuja to work towards tackling the security challenges through the forthcoming RUGA conference, so as to achieve permanent solution.”

But the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) supported the NLTP, maintaining that it was in line with their mandates.