By Esther Olaoluwa |
The Niger State Government is set to activate all 23 designated grazing reserves across the state as part of efforts to reduce clashes between farmers and herders.
The initiative is being implemented through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, with the government moving to formally recognise and make the grazing reserves operational.
The Commissioner for Livestock and Fisheries, Abdullahi Adamu Mammagi, disclosed this during an advocacy visit to the Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Farouq Bahago.
The visit focused on plans to gazette the Barakwai and Adunu Grazing Reserves as the state begins the process of formalising the remaining reserves.
Nine Reserves Already Gazetted
Mammagi said Niger State has 23 designated grazing reserves, with nine already gazetted.
He said the ministry was taking steps to complete the process for the remaining 14 reserves, beginning with Barakwai, Adunu and Gbako local government areas.
The commissioner explained that the process was aimed at ensuring that the designated areas are formally recognised and made functional for livestock production and management.
He appealed to the Minna Emirate to help communicate the plans to district and village heads as well as residents of communities affected by the exercise.
Mammagi said the involvement of traditional institutions was important to ensure that communities understood the initiative and participated in its implementation.
He stressed the need for cooperation between the government, traditional institutions and host communities to ensure the exercise is carried out successfully.
Emir Urges Community Sensitisation
Responding, the Emir of Minna, Dr Umar Farouq Bahago, commended the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries for the initiative.
He urged district and village heads in the affected communities to properly sensitise residents about the exercise ahead of its commencement.
Bahago also advised the ministry to maintain regular engagement with the emirate and provide updates on the progress of the gazetting exercise and other related livestock programmes.
The move is part of the Niger State Government’s efforts to strengthen livestock management, support pastoral activities and address some of the issues contributing to farmer-herder clashes across the state.
By making the designated grazing reserves active and formally recognised, the government expects to provide clearer areas for livestock activities while reducing pressure and competition between farmers and herders over land and other resources.
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