From Nasir Shuaibu, BAUCHI
The Bauchi State Government has suspended enforcement of its Livestock Right-of-Way law until 2027, but warned that the legislation remains in force and violators of designated livestock corridors will face sanctions when enforcement resumes.
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed made this clarification on Monday during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House, Bauchi, where he directed an immediate halt to the ongoing enforcement exercise.
The governor said the decision followed concerns raised by members of the public over the timing and methods adopted in enforcing the law, particularly reports of the use of herbicides to clear livestock routes.
According to him, the policy was designed to protect designated livestock corridors and reduce recurring conflicts between farmers and herders.
He said, however, that the implementation of government policies must be preceded by adequate sensitisation and consultation, particularly where the livelihoods of large numbers of citizens are involved.
Bala said the timing of the enforcement was inappropriate because farmers were approaching harvest after spending significant resources cultivating their farms.
He consequently ordered government officials to suspend the exercise and intensify consultations with farmers, livestock breeders, traditional rulers, local government councils and other stakeholders.
Earlier in his speech, the Secretary to the State Government, Aminu Hammayo, said a committee comprising relevant ministries, departments, agencies and stakeholders had been established to undertake sensitisation and prepare communities for the next phase of implementation.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Bala Musa Lukshi, said the government had initially approved the enforcement after consultations and the development of implementation strategies.
He said the governor suspended the exercise after receiving complaints, stressing that the decision was aimed at addressing legitimate concerns and protecting peace across the state.
Lukshi emphasised that the suspension did not mean the Right-of-Way law had been repealed.
“The law remains in force,” he said, adding that enforcement would resume in 2027 after extensive sensitisation of farmers, herders and communities.
He warned farmers against cultivating designated livestock corridors, saying violators would be liable to sanctions when enforcement resumes.
Corroborating, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Iliyasu Aliyu Gital, said the government would use the period of suspension to strengthen engagement with stakeholders and ensure that residents understand the provisions of the law.
Representatives of Miyetti Allah and farmers’ associations welcomed the suspension and pledged to support government efforts to resolve disagreements over livestock routes.
The stakeholders also appealed to farmers and herders to maintain peace and respect the government’s directive while consultations and sensitisation continue.
Our correspondent reports that the meeting was attended by the Emir of Bununu, Alhaji Jibrin Danlami Hassan, other traditional rulers, farmers’ and livestock breeders’ associations, commodity groups, security agencies and members of the Bauchi State Executive Council.
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