Professor John Ajai, a lecturer at Taraba State University, has issued a compelling call to President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action on two critical fronts: revisiting Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol and expediting the enactment of a national law prohibiting open grazing. In an open letter addressed to the President, Ajai characterizes the current situation as a “defining moment” requiring bold leadership to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and unity. He argues that the Transhumance Protocol, originally designed to facilitate the movement of pastoralists across West Africa, has inadvertently become a source of insecurity, enabling not only herders but also heavily armed groups to infiltrate Nigerian territory under the guise of transhumance. This has resulted in the displacement of indigenous communities, destruction of livelihoods, and escalating tensions across several states.
Ajai underscores the urgency of the situation by citing a USAID-funded report indicating that between 2015 and 2019, Nigeria witnessed approximately 7,000 deaths and incurred an estimated $13 billion in annual economic losses due to violent conflicts linked to pastoral activities. He further warns that criminal networks and insurgent groups, including Boko Haram, are exploiting the free movement provisions of the protocol to smuggle weapons, conduct surveillance, and carry out terrorist acts. The professor contends that continued adherence to this outdated protocol actively discourages investment in modern livestock practices, such as ranching and feedlot systems, which are crucial for agricultural development and ensuring national food security. He describes the current state of affairs as a “dangerous erosion of sovereignty” and urges President Tinubu to initiate a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s participation in the protocol, advocating for renegotiation or even withdrawal if deemed necessary in the national interest.
While commending President Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, a move he describes as “visionary,” Ajai stresses the need for more robust measures to permanently outlaw open grazing. He appeals to the President to champion the swift passage and implementation of the Anti-Open Grazing Bill, which has already passed the third reading in the Senate. Ajai believes this bill presents a historic opportunity to address the root causes of violent land occupation and pave the way for a more sustainable and peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders. He emphasizes that these are extraordinary times demanding extraordinary leadership, the kind that future generations will recognize as the turning point where Nigeria chose survival, sovereignty, and renewal over drift and disintegration.
The ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol, intended to regulate pastoral movements and minimize conflicts, has, according to Ajai, become a significant security liability for Nigeria. The unregulated cross-border movements it facilitates have allowed armed groups to infiltrate the country, exacerbating existing tensions and contributing to widespread violence. This has resulted in the displacement of indigenous communities, the destruction of their livelihoods, and the escalation of animosity between farmers and herders. The economic cost of these conflicts is also substantial, with billions of dollars lost annually. Furthermore, Ajai argues that the protocol hinders the adoption of modern livestock practices, such as ranching, which are essential for boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. The professor’s call for a review of Nigeria’s involvement in the protocol underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for decisive action to protect national interests.
Ajai’s advocacy for a national ban on open grazing is rooted in the belief that it is a primary driver of conflict and insecurity. The practice, he argues, allows herders to encroach upon farmlands, leading to clashes with farmers and escalating tensions. This, in turn, disrupts agricultural activities, undermines food security, and fuels widespread instability. The Anti-Open Grazing Bill, which has already made significant progress in the legislative process, offers a legal framework to address this issue and promote more sustainable livestock management practices. Ajai believes that enacting this law is crucial for resolving the long-standing farmer-herder conflict and fostering peaceful coexistence between communities. He sees this as a pivotal moment for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to addressing the root causes of violence and building a more secure and prosperous future.
In his open letter to President Tinubu, Ajai expresses confidence that with decisive leadership, Nigeria can overcome its current security challenges and reclaim its position as a united and prosperous nation in Africa. He believes that a comprehensive reassessment of the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol and the enactment of a national law banning open grazing are critical steps towards achieving this goal. These actions, he argues, will not only enhance national security but also create an environment conducive to economic development and social harmony. Ajai’s appeal to President Tinubu is a call for bold and decisive action, a call for leadership that prioritizes national interests and the well-being of its citizens. He urges the President to seize this historic opportunity to shape a more secure, stable, and prosperous future for Nigeria.
