The Bauchi State Government has unveiled a right-of-way policy aimed at addressing the recurring clashes between farmers and herders by establishing structured grazing routes across the state’s 20 local government areas.
The State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Bala Musa Lukshi, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Bauchi on Monday, where representatives of farming groups, pastoral associations, and community leaders gathered to discuss the proposed framework.
According to Lukshi, the policy is designed to define specific routes for livestock movement in order to prevent encroachment on farmlands, which has remained one of the major causes of conflict between farmers and herders over the years.
He explained that unregulated movement of livestock has significantly contributed to disputes in many rural communities and that the government is determined to address the problem through a more organized and sustainable system.
“Unregulated movement of livestock has contributed significantly to disputes. This policy is designed to address that through clear structure and understanding,” Lukshi said.
He added that the framework would be implemented across all parts of the state with strong emphasis on public awareness, stakeholder inclusion, and proper enforcement to ensure compliance at the grassroots level.
The commissioner noted that the initiative forms part of broader efforts by the state government to modernize livestock production while also protecting the interests of crop farmers.
He stressed that dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders would remain central to the success of the policy and in building lasting trust between farming and pastoral communities.
Representatives of farming and pastoral groups welcomed the move, describing it as timely and necessary for restoring peace and stability in rural areas affected by frequent land-use disputes.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Bauchi State, Yusuf Sambo, alongside leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Kautal Hore Fulani Association, pledged their support for the initiative.
They, however, called for fairness, transparency, and sustained engagement in the implementation process to ensure that the policy delivers long-term peace and mutual understanding among all parties involved.
The stakeholders expressed optimism that with proper implementation, the right-of-way policy would significantly reduce tensions, protect livelihoods, and improve peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders across Bauchi State.
