Bauchi Governor Suspends Livestock Right-of-Way Policy

On Monday, Bauchi State Governor Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed announced the suspension of the livestock right-of-way policy, acknowledging his full responsibility for its poor implementation and enforcement. This decision followed concerns raised by stakeholders during a meeting at the governor's office, which included representatives from farmers' associations, traditional institutions, security agencies, and government ministries.

The policy was intended to mitigate violent clashes between herders and farmers by designating cattle routes. However, the governor expressed concerns about the harmful use of chemicals in clearing these routes and the timing of enforcement, which coincided with the harvest period.

He criticized the Ministry of Agriculture and the Bauchi State Agricultural Development Programme (BASDP) for inadequate communication regarding the policy. Governor Mohammed instructed the agriculture commissioner to cease implementation immediately and collaborate with stakeholders to devise a more effective approach, emphasizing the need for proper sensitization before any renewed enforcement, potentially starting with the next farming season.