The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has recommended the creation of a Federal Government agency that will regulate the activities of herdsmen in the country.
Malami made the recommendation while delivering a speech as a special guest of honor at the Peace, Unity, and Security Lecture Series at the ECOWAS main auditorium in Abuja on Tuesday.
He said, “Nigeria is predominately agricultural in nature and by geography. To that extent, there is constant mobility of herders across the different belts of Nigeria. It is perhaps time to consider the setting-up of a commission for pastoralism regulated by law.
“This might provide recipes for resolving protracted farmer-herder conflicts. The commission may even engage in or facilitate in-depth analytical studies with a view to providing lasting solutions for the benefit of people and the country.”
He also said there was a need to revitalize the Nomadic Education Commission and provide infrastructure – social amenities, educational facilities, and cattle markets at central locations to accelerate nomadic settlements.