Northern Govs dump RUGA, adopt livestock plan – TheNigerialawyer

Northern Governors have risen from their emergency meeting in
Kaduna on Thursday to dump the controversial Rural Grazing Area
(RUGA) policy for National Livestock Transformation Plan, as best
way to tackle the age long herder/farmers clashes in the
region.

They also resolved to continue to adopt a sustainable and
holistic approach towards tackling the security challenges in the
region.

Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum, Governor Simon
Lalong had told newsmen at the opening of the meeting that, the
forum had set up a Committee under the Chairmanship of Governor
Aminu Masari of Katsina State, to inter-alia develop a
comprehensive regional plan of action that could bring lasting
solutions to the lingering crises, and shall receive briefing from
this committee and also deliberate on their findings and
recommendations.

However, at the end of the meeting, Lalong said, the forum has
adopted the National Livestock Transformation Plan, which according
to him, lays out clear path for modernizing pastoral
activities.

According to him: “On Agriculture, the Forum was well informed
about the National Livestock Transformation Plan and its
disparities with the Ruga plan

“It is expected that the plan would ensure resettling and
addressing the dislocated populations in the key conflict zones to
enable them become part of the agricultural modernization
process.

“In the same vein, it would provide a mechanism for peaceful
dialogue and reconciliation in the affected communities towards a
harmonious mutually beneficial future.

“The Forum, therefore, adopted the National Livestock
Transformation Plan which lays out clear path for modernizing
pastoral activities

“It further encouraged other states not included as pilot states
to endeavour to join the plan.”

On security challenges, Governor Lalong said: “The current
challenges of insecurity which seems to be persisting despite the
concerted efforts by all tiers of government was also deliberated
based on insightful analyses and the best possible ways to address
the menace which is currently bedeviling the region.

“Consequently the Forum resolved to continue to adopt a
sustainable and holistic approach towards tackling this challenge
in the region.

“It is the Forum’s unwavering determination to rescue the region
and reposition it to meet the yearnings and aspirations of our
people, especially in the areas of security, economy and social
development.”