Daniel Dauda, Jos
The Plateau State Association United Kingdom (PSA UK) said it is deeply concerned by the persistent push of cattle-centric agricultural policies by successive Nigerian governments, implemented without “robust community engagement” or regard for the fears of affected communities, especially in the Middle Belt.
The association tasked Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu led administration to ensure national agricultural/livestock policies do not elevate one sector above the “security, land rights, dignity and livelihoods” of other Nigerians.
They also charged the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, to suspend further implementation of the proposed National Ranching Policy and immediately embark on robust community engagement, rigorous policy analysis, and comprehensive assessment of impact on peace, security, and social cohesion in the Middle Belt.
This was contained in a statement issued to Daily Champion in Jos by the president, PSA UK, Dr. Solomon Chollom.
Chollom cited decades of attacks, displacement, destruction of farms/homes, and IDP camps as major setbacks for communities across the Middle Belt.
“Policies on ranching, cattle colonies, RUGA, livestock settlements raise deeply sensitive questions about security, ownership, justice, rehabilitation, return for people who lost relatives and ancestral land.
“Changing the name of a policy does not automatically remove the fears of the people.”
“Democracy is not about government simply announcing a policy and expecting communities to accept it without question.”
“Government must consult, be transparent, and include people whose lands/lives are affected. Listening is not weakness. Ignoring concerns risks making government look detached”, Chollom noted.
The PSA UK further argued Nigeria’s agricultural potential is not just cattle. Question why there isn’t equal “aggressive intervention” for: poultry production, fish farming, potato, vegetable, tubers, root crops, cereals and grains, smallholder farming, food processing, storage as well as agri-tech and irrigation.
According to him, “Food security cannot be built around one sector. Policy must reflect regional strengths and comparative advantage. Let Plateau expand what its people already do well.
“Why does government appear ready to acquire or allocate land and provide extensive support for cattle enterprise while other farmers struggle for land, capital, and infrastructure?Every Nigerian farmer deserves the opportunity to succeed.
The association also demanded that before any land/security-related agricultural policy is implemented, government must
engage directly with affected communities and stakeholders.
“Conduct transparent assessments of social, economic, security, and environmental impact. Plans for rehabilitation, return, and recovery for victims of violence. Respect constitutional and land rights and dignity of all communities.
“Develop a balanced policy supporting livestock + crops + poultry + fisheries + other value chains, and ensure no policy becomes a source of conflict, suspicion, or division.”
The Plateau State Association United Kingdom position aligns with recent calls from Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives (PIDAN) and Mwaghavul Development Association (MDA) for the government to prioritize security and community engagement before any land-related policy.
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