Editorial

Ranching: Let FG’s Intervention Go Round

Published

3 years ago

September 7, 2022

In a bid to curb rising banditry in Katsina State, the Federal Government has released N6. 25 billion for the establishment of cattle ranches in local government areas affected by the crime in the state. This was disclosed by Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, the Deputy Governor of the state. Yakubu is also the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development. He said that the state would work with the affected areas for collaboration and support.
President Muhammadu Buhari approved the release of the N6.25 billion to the state government in July last year as part of ongoing efforts to address the security challenges. He also endorsed various sums for the establishment of ranches for other states in the North, including Benue and Nasarawa States, which had witnessed several clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the last few years.
The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, recently made the release of the funds for the ranching public. According to him, Buhari had promised N6. 25 billion to begin the development of cattle ranches in the state. Of this amount, N5 billion had been paid into the state government account. He spoke at an occasion where the President commissioned the multi-billion Naira Zobe water project and a 50 km road project in Dutsinma in the state.
As good as the President’s largesse may look, we are concerned that the Federal Government has recently released such a huge amount of money to the Katsina State Government for cattle farms. This is because the ranch is a private enterprise. If someone wants to run a ranch, let that person or group acquire the land and build his or her ranch with personal funds. Moreover, Nigerians need to know whether the funding for the project is a donation or a budget.
No doubt, establishing ranches will go a long way towards ending the relentless slaughter and displacement of farming communities by armed pastoralists across the country. But the Federal Government should not use the meagre resources at its disposal to fund ranching anywhere, including in President Buhari’s home town. Financing herders while excluding other privately owned businesses such as crop farming, among others, amounts to grave injustice and discrimination.
Doing so would constitute a wrong priority in the face of mounting financial challenges caused by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, high inflation, poverty, unemployment, and volatile crude oil prices. Nigeria is already faced with a huge debt burden. The 2023 federal budget is premised on total projected revenue of N19.76 trillion, with the budget deficit at N11.30 trillion, which is to be financed through borrowings from the domestic and foreign debt markets. As of now, the nation’s debt stands at N41. 6 trillion.
Furthermore, Buhari’s double standard on this is bewildering. How could he approve N6.25 billion for pastures in Katsina, while encouraging open grazing and cattle-grazing routes in other parts of the country? We recall the President’s vehement opposition to the resolution against open grazing by the Southern governors. Buhari was too distant from reality to appreciate the implications of the system.
Globally, nomadic and open grazing is disgusting. In Nigeria, for example, Fulani cattle herders’ nomadic lifestyle is at variance with the sedentary cultures of other communities. Besides, owing to decades of natural gas burning and the accompanying acid rain, with the attendant cow dung, urine and human waste that go with it, the environment in the South is already degraded.
Katsina was not even among the 10 states earmarked in 2018 by the National Economic Council (NEC) headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for the pilot cattle ranching scheme known as the Livestock Transformation Plan under which the Federal Government was to spend N179 billion over 10 years to establish ranches throughout the country. The 10 states are Adamawa, Benue, Ebonyi, Edo, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau, Taraba and Zamfara.
Already, some states listed for the pilot programme, such as Ebonyi and Benue, have since rejected it outright. Also, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) issued a statement rebuffing the proposal. These are clear indications that this manner of pursuing the ranching programme will not promote peace in the country. If the President has decided to fund the building of ranches, the intervention should go round the country for fairness and equity.
Being a private sector enterprise, those engaged in livestock farming should directly acquire the land, either through leasing or outright purchase. This is the practice globally. For instance, in the United States, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a variety of funding opportunities to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners finance their businesses. Similar agencies in Nigeria can equally do the same to those in need of funds for ranching; but certainly not the Federal Government.
Therefore, we oppose any form of use of public funds by the government for any business or ethnic group. This will never bring the much-needed peace. Instead, it will lead to enormous ethnic conflicts. Most landed properties, especially in the South, belong to families and communities. Acacquiring them by executive fiat will inflame unhealthy passions. We think that rather than build ranches with public funds, such monies should be channelled towards meeting some of the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which has been on a protracted strike.
We support efforts by the government or the private sector to upgrade livestock farming from nomadism to ranching. However, it is difficult to understand why the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, still pontificates the nationwide adoption of open grazing. Thankfully, Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu publicly rebuked him. This means that Garba and the President are at odds on resolving the herder/farmer conflict. Indeed, the spokesman is still caught in anachronism and deserves help embracing modernism.
Ranching will offer a long-lasting solution to the recurring conflicts between herdsmen and farmers if the herdsmen are fully sensitised and educated about the benefits of the programme. In this way, they may be able to assume full ownership of the ranches. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources should liaise with their state counterparts to ensure the realisation of the laudable scheme.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2025

Uchechukwu Okwum

Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.

What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.

It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.

According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.

The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?

In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.

We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.

The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.

Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.

Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.

Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.

This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.

Editorial

No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike

Published

4 days ago

September 22, 2025

The Tide

Editorial

Rivers’ Retirees: Matters Arising

Published

3 weeks ago

September 8, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Government deserves commendation for the manner in which it conducted the last biometric exercise for pensioners in the state. For the first time in many years, the verification process was not only efficient but also humane, a development that has brought relief to a category of citizens that often bears the brunt of neglect.

Unlike previous verification exercises that left pensioners exhausted and unattended, the latest exercise set a refreshing precedent. Retirees were given proper and sumptuous meals, and in addition, the government paid the sum of N10,000 into their accounts to cushion their transportation costs. Such gestures go a long way in demonstrating that those who had laboured for the state are not forgotten in their twilight years.

The measure was particularly necessary given that some pensioners had to travel long distances to reach their verification centres. For elderly men and women, such journeys come with physical and financial strain. By recognising these realities and easing the burden, the government has shown that pensioners deserve dignity, not disdain.

Beyond this laudable act of consideration, the authorities must reflect on the very structure of pension verification. The era of compelling retirees to be physically present for routine verification should be reconsidered. With digital tools and innovation, the government can adopt systems that capture and confirm data without the stress of physical assembly. This is crucial for pensioners residing in other states or even abroad.

While we acknowledge the importance of verification in cleaning up pension records, we cannot ignore the darker side of the matter. It is regrettable that some allowances continue to be paid to deceased pensioners, with relatives fraudulently collecting the funds. The latest biometrics, thankfully, exposed some of these sharp practices. The exercise, therefore, is not only about order but also about justice.

We urge families of deceased pensioners to be patriotic enough to inform the government of the deaths of their loved ones. It is deeply shameful that in some instances, individuals attempted to impersonate late pensioners during the biometrics. Such behaviour undermines the spirit of honesty and deprives genuine retirees of their due entitlements.

The exercise also revealed another important area of concern: the health of pensioners. It is reassuring to learn that the state government has reportedly promised to take over the medical treatment of some retirees who arrived for the biometrics in critical condition. This is a step in the right direction. Elderly citizens, after years of service, should have access to special health care facilities in the state. Setting aside hospitals or designated centres for the aged is not just desirable but necessary.

While pension payments in Rivers State have remained consistent, attention must now be directed towards gratuities. Senior citizens deserve to receive their retirement benefits without the bureaucratic hitches that have often marred the process. After years of loyal service, nothing is more demoralising than to see retirees languish for want of their gratuities. Every worker, as Scripture reminds us, is worthy of his wage.

Retirement, in any civilised society, should not be reduced to a sentence of suffering. In dealing with pensioners, government must consistently wear a human face. The humane manner displayed during this verification exercise should not be a one-off. It must become the norm in all dealings with retirees. Measures must continually be put in place to ensure that they do not feel abandoned by the state they served.

One welcome innovation has already been introduced. The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has altered the method of gratuity payment. Pensioners now receive their monies directly into their bank accounts, eliminating the cheque-based system that for years served as fertile ground for corruption. This reform is both pragmatic and forward-looking. Similarly, the implementation of the N32,000 pension harmonisation is also commendable.

Direct payments gratuities ensure transparency and drastically reduce the possibility of diversion of funds. More importantly, they restore confidence in the system and assure pensioners that their entitlements will reach them without interference. In this way, the government has not only safeguarded the process but also upheld the principle of accountability.

Seamless gratuity payment has a ripple effect on the workforce as a whole. When workers are confident that retirement will not plunge them into hardship, the temptation to falsify age in order to remain in service is eliminated. Such reforms, therefore, enhance efficiency, honesty, and productivity in the public service.

In sum, the Rivers State Government has struck a refreshing chord in its handling of pension verification. It has shown empathy, innovation, and accountability. However, the momentum must be sustained, and the focus must shift towards modernising verification methods and prioritising retirees’ welfare in health, gratuity, and dignity.

When retirees are treated with compassion and fairness, the message to those still in service is clear: faithful service to the state will not go unrewarded. The humane verification exercise, though a single event, offers a hopeful glimpse of what governance can look like when people, especially the elderly, are placed at the heart of policy.