Yoruba Group Rejects Jega-led Committee’s Report on Open Grazing

A Pan-Yoruba organization, Think Yoruba First, has expressed strong opposition to the recommendation by the Professor Attahiru Jega-led Presidential Livestock Reform Committee, which suggested a 10-year transition period allowing open grazing before phasing it out.

The committee, co-chaired by former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Jega, proposed a hybrid model of ranching and open grazing as a potential solution to Nigeria’s ongoing farmer-herder conflicts. Jega emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between short-term measures, such as permitting open grazing, and long-term objectives focused on promoting intensive livestock production.

According to the committee’s report, “The approach aims to transition gradually from extensive pastoralism.”

However, Think Yoruba First, through a statement issued by its secretary, Dr. Ogundoyin Bukola, urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize ranching as the only viable solution to the persistent open grazing problem. The group argued that the lifestyle of a minority ethnic group should not pose a threat to the peace and stability of the entire nation.

Dr. Bukola stated, “Despite the loss of thousands of lives due to attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen and the destruction of farmlands across Nigeria, it is with great disappointment that we reject the recommendation from the Jega-led committee. Allowing open grazing for another decade is reckless and insensitive.”

She continued, “Why should the lifestyle of a minority ethnic group threaten the peace and stability of Nigeria? The culture of one tribe should not be allowed to turn the country into a crisis-ridden state. On behalf of all Yorùbás, we categorically denounce open cattle grazing in Yorùbáland. It is outdated, incompatible with modern livestock practices, and poses a grave threat to the safety of farmers.”

The group further called on President Tinubu to enforce ranching as a permanent solution, stressing that ranching can be implemented in much less time than the proposed 10-year period. “With adequate backing from the Federal Government through the Ministry of Livestock, there is ample land in the Northern region where cattle rearing is culturally embedded. State-of-the-art facilities can be established within 12 months to halt the ongoing bloodshed caused by disputes over grazing rights,” Bukola added.

Citing a recent incident in Ekiti State, where a farmer was killed and four others kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen, the group condemned the recommendation to extend open grazing, labeling it “inhumane” and “an affront to justice.” They argued that the continued allowance of open grazing would exacerbate tensions and result in further loss of life.

“An injustice to one is an injustice to all. The lives of farmers in the South and other regions of Nigeria must be protected. Open grazing should be banned nationwide without delay. The committee’s 10-year proposal reflects a profound disconnect from the cultural and security needs of a multi-ethnic nation like Nigeria,” the statement concluded.