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NIGERIANS ARE HAPPY WITH TINUBU| JUST A YEAR PLUS IN OFFICE, TINUBU HAS DONE WHAT NO OTHER PRESIDENT HAS NEVER DONE BEFORE IN OFFICE. SEE FULL LIST OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS HERE.Despite the strong stance taken by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, against open grazing, the streets of the nation’s capital continue to be plagued by cattle months after his pledge to end the practice. ...Tap To Read The Full Story Here | ..Tap To Read The Full Story Here...
Wike’s commitment to abolishing open grazing in Abuja was first articulated over sixteen months ago, shortly after his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The minister made it clear that consultations would be held with herders to find a way to prevent cows from roaming the city, emphasizing, “We cannot allow cows inside the city.” This promise was reiterated in March 2024 during a meeting with Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand, where Wike reaffirmed his intentions to curb the practice.
However, despite these firm pronouncements, open grazing remains a frequent sight across the FCT. Journalists monitoring key areas of the capital have reported continued instances of cattle grazing in urban spaces, undermining Wike’s earlier commitments. According to The Daily Post, large herds of cattle were seen navigating the streets near the Defence Headquarters in August 2024, with herders and cows in full view during rush hour. The following month, in September 2024, another herd was spotted near the Vice President’s new residence, right across from the entrance to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
In the face of these persistent violations, many have begun to question the effectiveness of Wike’s approach. Shefiu Adio, a taxi driver in Abuja, noted that the issue of open grazing has become highly politicized. He pointed out that the federal capital, being a melting pot of various ethnic groups, presents a unique challenge. “The conversation around cows is sensitive. In Rivers State, where Wike governed, his directive would have been followed without question. But in Abuja, which is considered the heart of the nation, such an order could be perceived as targeting northern herders who rely on cattle rearing for their livelihoods.”
The impact of urbanization on grazing has been another contributing factor to the issue. As the capital city expands, many traditionally rural areas that once served as grazing grounds for herders have been replaced with new estates and commercial developments. “The rapid growth of urban areas is making it difficult for herders to find space for their cattle,” explained Umar Ubandawaki, a cattle trader based in Deidei Market. “Many Fulani communities have been displaced, and the areas where cattle once grazed are now occupied by buildings and infrastructure.”
Reports continue to highlight the prevalence of open grazing in numerous areas of the city, including Asokoro Extension, Guzape, and along the Airport Road. These areas, once intended for residential and commercial development, have been overtaken by cattle and herders, with many residents humorously referring to them as “government children.” This informal label reflects the perception that these cattle are permitted to roam freely, disregarding the minister’s orders.
In light of the ongoing challenges, some residents are hopeful that the recent establishment of the Ministry of Livestock will bring more effective solutions to the issue. However, despite the introduction of this new ministry, the reality on the ground remains unchanged, with open grazing continuing to be a daily occurrence in the capital.
While Wike’s tenure has seen other policies, such as the expulsion of beggars from the city, met with limited success, it seems that the challenge of managing cattle within Abuja will require a more nuanced and collaborative approach.
The deeply entrenched cultural and economic importance of cattle rearing in northern Nigeria, combined with the pressures of rapid urbanization, makes this issue one that requires careful handling, consultation, and perhaps new strategies beyond mere threats.NIGERIANS ARE HAPPY WITH TINUBU| JUST A YEAR PLUS IN OFFICE, TINUBU HAS DONE WHAT NO OTHER PRESIDENT HAS NEVER DONE BEFORE IN OFFICE. SEE FULL LIST OF HIS ACHIEVEMENTS HERE.
As of now, the minister’s call to end open grazing has failed to materialize in any meaningful enforcement, leaving many to question what steps will be taken next to resolve this long-standing issue in the capital...Tap To Read The Full Story Here.
