Herders-farmers clash: HURIWA faults Jega panel’s open grazing proposal

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has faulted some recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms, chaired by former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega.

The organisation described the committee’s proposal advocating for the coexistence of open grazing and ranching as a solution to the farmers-herders crisis as unconstitutional, discriminatory and illegal.

Jega had disclosed to State House correspondents after presenting a 152-page inception report on livestock reforms to President Bola Tinubu that while the Federal Government promotes long-term objectives for intensive livestock production, the immediate recommendations include accommodating both ranching and open grazing for a defined period.

But HURIWA, in a press statement on Friday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, argued that the committee’s foundation is unconstitutional, citing Section 42(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits laws or executive actions that impose restrictions based on ethnicity, community or profession.

The group insisted that the establishment of the committee inherently favours herders at the expense of farmers, who have suffered violent attacks by armed pastoralists.

“It is unconstitutional for the government to form a committee that prioritises one profession over another. Section 42(1) expressly prohibits subjecting citizens to laws that discriminate based on ethnicity, profession or community. By promoting policies that favour herders while marginalising farmers – who are the primary victims of these conflicts – President Tinubu’s administration is engaging in unconstitutional actions,” HURIWA stated.

The association also criticised the recommendations for disregarding state laws that have already banned open grazing.

“In several states across Nigeria, laws have been enacted to outlaw open grazing due to the destruction of farmland and conflicts caused by herders.

A national panel advocating for open grazing not only undermines these state laws but also sets a dangerous precedent where federal policies override state legislation. These recommendations are not just unconstitutional; they are illegal,” HURIWA added.