Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has decried the infiltration of cattle rustlers into the state who rustle cattle to other states.

The Governor stated this during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting on the implementation of the State Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit held in Minna.

He observed that negotiations with bandits in some states have given rise to cattle rustling, stressing that it is unacceptable and that he will seek the intervention of the President and the National Security Adviser on the issue.

Speaking on the issue of people bringing in slaughtered meat from the bush to sell, the Governor said necessary measures will be put in place through relevant authorities to ensure only meat slaughtered in recognised abattoirs is sold in the markets, and that livestock coming into the state must be vaccinated.

He also directed that no farmer should farm on the right-of-way beside the highway, and warned herders not to allow their animals to graze on people’s farms, pointing out that anyone found wanting will be dealt with.

Bago said the Animal Disease Control Act of 2022, Sections 18 and 19, has empowered the state, through the Department of Animal Health and Veterinary Services, to issue permits for the transportation of animals, poultry, and animal products, saying it is a practical tool to safeguard public health, improve market systems, and protect livelihoods.

He said the introduction of the Trade Animal Movement Security and Veterinary Inspection Permit systems is not to frustrate livestock operators but to secure the trade corridors, track animal health status, and strengthen veterinary compliance across markets, farms, and borders.

He disclosed that the state has 120,000 hectares of land for grazing reserves across the state, and it is working with the federal ministries of livestock and agriculture, as well as development partners, to bring in seeds for grasses to plant pastures for livestock to graze within the reserves, and that basic amenities would be provided.

Commissioner for Nomadic and Pastoral Affairs, Umar Sanda Rabe, described the consultative meeting as developmental and said it will ensure the well-being of animals, secure them, and provide room for improvement in the livestock industry. He also lamented the lack of examination of animals for possible diseases before slaughter, saying the checking of animals before they are slaughtered will curb the spread of diseases.

The President, National Association of Cattle Dealers, Processors, and Marketers of Nigeria, Alhaji Ilyasu Bulama, commended the tremendous efforts of the state governor in developing the livestock industry but stressed that the growing menace of cattle rustling has been largely affecting the cattle business.

He said the association had met with several traditional institutions and security agencies in that regard and expressed confidence that the implementation of the state trade animal movement permit by the state government would tackle the challenges.

Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Niger State Chapter, Umar Abubakar Lapai, said the idea of implementing the veterinary inspection permit will go a long way in ensuring healthy meat consumption, while the establishment of cattle ranches will help in addressing farmer-herder clashes.

In their separate remarks, representatives of the Butchers Association of Niger State, Shehu Sarkin Pawa, representatives of cattle breeders, Sadiq Abubakar, and Hussaini Bosso, who spoke on behalf of all Fulani heads across the state, expressed confidence in the efforts of the state governor in bringing an end to the farmer-herder crises.