Former Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has stated that the persistent farmer/herder conflict in Nigeria, which has resisted numerous solutions, is politically influenced. He made this remark over the weekend at the 42nd Annual Olumide Lectures organized by the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors in Abuja.
Osinbajo revealed that during his tenure, his administration proposed the National Livestock Transformation Plan, which was endorsed by all 36 state governments, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The plan aimed to limit the movement of animals across the country, which he believes, if implemented, could resolve the bloody farmer/herder clashes.
“As you know, the farmer/herder issue is highly politicized, with significant political undertones. However, we managed to secure an agreement from all 36 states, including Abuja. I believe that the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan would be a crucial step in addressing this crisis,” Osinbajo said.
He also emphasized that climate change, particularly desertification and the drying up of wetlands, is a driving factor behind the migration of herders. He cited the shrinking Lake Chad as an example, explaining that its reduction from 35,000 square kilometers to just around 2,000 square kilometers has forced those who once relied on it for farming and fishing to seek alternatives, contributing to the conflicts.
Osinbajo reiterated that the solution lies in implementing the National Livestock Transformation Plan, which took time to develop and reach consensus. “There are critical aspects of the plan that are yet to be implemented, but I believe that it holds the key to solving this problem.”
On another pressing issue, gas flaring, Osinbajo advocated for the commercialization of flared gas as a solution. He pointed out that although gas flaring is a global problem, Nigeria has taken steps to address it by promoting policies that allow companies to collect and commercialize the flared gas.
“Gas flaring is a significant issue worldwide, but it can be addressed through commercialization. A bill has been introduced to enable companies to collect and sell the flared gas in commercial quantities. This approach could significantly reduce the problem, particularly in the Niger Delta, where pollution from gas flaring remains a major challenge,” Osinbajo explained.
He further expressed hope that the commercialization strategy would provide an incentive for companies to tackle gas flaring and reduce its environmental impact.
