Zulum: Each state in north-east can provide 5,000 hectares for grazing

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno, says each state in the north-east can provide at least 5,000 hectares to cover grazing for around three million livestock.

He stated this at the launch of the rapid response initiative projects in Borno, organised by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Maiduguri, on Monday.

There have been concerns raised over the availability of land for grazing across the country, as part of efforts to address the clashes between farmers and herders.

The Nigeria Governors Forum had recently agreed to adopt the National Livestock Plan, which makes provisions for modernised ranching systems.

According to NAN, Zulum, who is the chairman of North-east Governors Forum, urged the NEDC to give priority to critical areas in the region, including agriculture.

He gave the example of the establishment of livestock centres in all states of the region, adding that such an initiative would go a long way in addressing farmers/herders conflicts.

“Borno alone has a land mass of 76,000 square kilometres. Together with other states of north-east, this region will provide vast arable land for livestock farmers in Nigeria,” Zulum said.

“I am also advocating the establishment of pasture production centres. This is very important and we can do it. Each state can provide 5,000 hectares for the centres, which can provide grazing venues for no fewer than two to three million livestock.”

He also commended the latest directive by the Nigerian army to recapture Marte from insurgents.

“I wish to assure our people that the armed forces of Nigeria are up to this fresh challenge, and I am pretty sure that Marte shall be retaken again and all the miscreants routed out,” he added.