ABUJA, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government on Wednesday announced the suspension of the "Ruga Settlement Program" initiated by the country's agriculture ministry, to put an end to the problems of open grazing.
David Umahi, the governor of southern state of Ebonyi, who made this known to reporters in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, said the government adopted in stead the National Economic Council (NEC)'s National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).
He spoke after a meeting of the NEC committee of farmers/herders crisis chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
Umahi said the NLTP would be all inclusive, adding that it was for states that were willing to key into the program.
According to Umahi, each willing state is expected to come up with a plan unique to it based on the challenges that it has in respect of the farmers/herders crisis.
On June 25, Mohammed Umar, the permanent secretary of the agriculture ministry, announced the government's plan to establish Ruga settlements across the country.
He said Ruga settlements had already started springing up in 11 states that had reportedly shown interest.
According to Umar, each state will have at least six locations where nomadic herders will be settled alongside others interested in rearing animals aimed at ending constant farmers/herders conflicts.
Ruga Settlement is a rural settlement in which animal farmers/herders stay in a designated place provided with basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets among others.
However, the initiative has elicited heat controversy with some arguing that it is a scheme by the government to reposition herders.
For years, nomadic herders have clashed with local farming communities over the access and control of lands.
