Presidency Clears The Air On Proposed "RUGA Settlements"

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Following spate of mixed reactions over the planned creation of "Ruga Settlements" across the country, on 3oth June 2019 Special Assistant (SA) to the president, Garba Shehu in a statement disclosed that the move was conceived out of the need to address growing clashes between farmers and herders in the country.

The presidential spokesperson was quoted as saying “The presidency wishes to draw attention to recent unhelpful comments regarding the plan to stop roaming of cattle herders with the attendant clashes with farmers.

“Ruga Settlement" that seeks to settle migrant pastoral families simply means; rural settlement in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organized place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and other animal products”.

Shehu further stressed that beneficiaries will include all persons in the business of animal husbandry, not only Fulani herders. He further added that the Federal Government was planning the program to curb open grazing of animals that continue to pose security threats to both farmers and herders.

The presidential aide further disclosed that, the Presidency has gazetted grazing lands across the thirty-six (36) States of the federation and that the program was made voluntarily; with about twelve (12) States so far consenting to the proposal.