Kogi Governor Appointed Committee to Oversee Grazing Reserves & Routes White Paper Implementation

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has formally inaugurated a 25-member implementation committee to enforce the state government’s white paper on grazing reserves, forest reserves, game reserves and cattle routes, in a move aimed at addressing long-standing farmer–herder conflicts in the state.

The governor said the white paper followed a comprehensive statewide assessment which identified six gazetted grazing reserves and 37 cattle routes. Many of the routes have been encroached upon by farmers, herders and, in some cases, government institutions.

According to the governor, the inauguration of the committee marks a decisive step towards restoring these reserves. Most importantly, to permanently resolve recurrent clashes linked to land use and livestock movement.

“We took a decision to restore our grazing reserves, forest reserves, cattle routes and grazing lands as much as possible,” the governor said.

The committee is mandated to translate the policy recommendations into action by reclaiming and protecting designated reserves, reopening blocked cattle routes and developing a sustainable framework for peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

Its composition reflects a whole-of-society approach, drawing membership from security agencies, relevant ministries, traditional institutions, as well as representatives of farming and herding communities.

Cattle Grazing Routes White Paper Implementation

A retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Baba Jibrin, was appointed chairman of the committee, while Professor Madu Shehu will serve as secretary.

Speaking on the objectives of the committee, officials emphasised that restoring designated grazing areas would help regulate livestock movement, protect farmlands and reduce tensions, while also improving livestock productivity.

“When cattle are allowed to operate within their designated reserves without infringing on farmlands, there is a greater tendency for improved productivity, including milk production,” a committee member noted.

Backed by the state’s white paper findings and supported by traditional rulers, security agencies and civil society actors, the committee is expected to translate policy into concrete action, safeguarding natural resources and livelihoods across Kogi State.