Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has raised alarm over the infiltration of cattle rustlers into the state, who steal livestock and move them to other states.
The Farmer Governor made this known during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the implementation of the State Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit, held in Minna.
He noted that ongoing negotiations with bandits in some states have emboldened cattle rustling activities, calling it “unacceptable.” He vowed to seek the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser on the issue.
Addressing the menace of people bringing slaughtered bush meat into markets, Bago said stringent measures will be put in place to ensure that only meat slaughtered in certified abattoirs is sold in markets. He added that all livestock coming into the state must be vaccinated.
He also issued clear directives: no farmer should cultivate crops on the highway’s right of way, and herders must not allow their animals to graze on private farmlands. Violators, he warned, will face strict penalties.
The Farmer Governor emphasized that the Animal Disease Control Act of 2022 (Sections 18 and 19) empowers the state’s Department of Animal Health and Veterinary Services to issue permits for transporting animals, poultry, and animal products. This, he said, is a vital tool to protect public health, improve market systems, and secure livelihoods.
He clarified that the introduction of the Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit is not meant to frustrate livestock operators, but to ensure the safety of trade corridors, monitor animal health, and strengthen veterinary oversight across farms, markets, and borders.
Bago also revealed that Niger State has set aside 120,000 hectares of grazing reserves. The government is collaborating with the Federal Ministries of Livestock and Agriculture, along with development partners, to bring in grass seed varieties for pasture planting. He added that the reserves will be equipped with basic amenities to support livestock production.
Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, Umar Sanda Rabe, described the meeting as progressive and necessary for improving animal health and the livestock industry. He lamented the poor veterinary inspection of animals before slaughter and noted that disease checks would reduce the spread of zoonotic infections.
President of the National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors, and Marketers of Nigeria, Ilyasu Bulama, praised Governor Bago’s efforts in developing the livestock sector. However, he warned that the surge in cattle rustling remains a major threat to their business. He expressed confidence that the implementation of the animal movement permit would curb the menace.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Niger State chapter, Umar Abubakar Lapai, welcomed the veterinary inspection initiative. He stated that it would enhance meat safety and the creation of ranches would reduce farmer-herder conflicts.
In their remarks, representatives of the Butchers Association of Niger State, Shehu Sarkin Pawa; Fulani leaders, Sadiq Abubakar and Hussaini Bosso, expressed confidence in the Farmer Governor’s commitment to ending the recurring herder-farmer crisis in the state.
