SMBLF Opposes Nigerian Government's Land Acquisition Plan

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has declared its intention to resist the Nigerian government's planned land acquisition under the new National Livestock Policy. The SMBLF, led by chairman Oba Oladipo Olaitan, alongside Dr Bitrus Pogu of the Middle Belt Forum, Senator John Azuta-Mbata of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Ambassador Godknows Igali of PANDEF, criticized the government for attempting to seize community lands under the guise of public interest.

They argue that ranching should be a privately-driven economic activity and reject the coercive nature of the policy, which they believe favors nomadic Fulani herdsmen. The SMBLF expressed concern that this pilot scheme, concentrated in the Middle Belt, could expand to other regions if not opposed.

They highlighted the violent history of Fulani herdsmen in the area and stated that some pastoralists may not even be Nigerian citizens. The forum emphasized that the policy is unacceptable to indigenous communities.