States in Nigeria to begin work on Cattle colonies from Next Week - Federal Government

The Federal Government has stated that States in the country will commence work on cattle colonies as soon as possible next week.


Speaking through the honourable minister of Agriculture and Rural development, Chief Audu Ogbeh on Friday 19th January, 2018 while on a visit to the Agriculture and vetinary complex of the Amadu Bello University, Zaria.

The Federal Government said some States in the country that have showed interest to establish them will begin work as soon as possible from next week.

Chief Audu Ogbeh stated that, the National Economic Council comprising nine governors and headed by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday 18th January, 2018 said there is need to facilitate the commencement of the cattle colonies in interested States.

He said:

"We are happy that we are making progress in Agriculture now. One of the most topical issues we have today is that of the farmers and herdsmen clashes.

"If we do not deal with it quickly, we run the risk of damaging the harmony and the co-existence of Nigeria as a country.

"The killings are getting too many. In our attempt to solve the problem, we have proffered certain solutions but perhaps we are not sensitive enough to Nigeria's fragile sensitivities and suspicions.

"When we spoke of colonies, we were immediately greeted with reactions that this was an attempt to cease Nigeria's land and give to the Fulani's to colonise.

"The intention is not for Fulani's or anyone to colonise any territory. It is to provide a haven for cattles to graze in peace under controlled environment to prevent the conflict between farmers and herdsmen.

"Only yesterday, a committee was set up by the Vice President with members most of them states governors discussing this matter and resolving that states that are interested will begin work on this matter as soon as next week."

The Minister also said that the federal government would contact the services of the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) to assist in the production of fodder for cattles.

The minister also stated that open grazing is posing serious challenges and it is not too good for the cattles describing it as a torture on cattle which usually do not enjoy long distance walk.

"It doesn't allow us to harvest milk, the cows are not well fed what is going on is almost torture to animals. 

"If we can create a new environment for cattles, give them what they need, protect them from rustlers, the herdsmen will quickly discover that they are making far more money than what they are doing now."

The minister said.