Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger state in an interview, shortly after the Northern Governors meeting today in Kaduna,explained that Niger state government had already approached and solicited emergency intervention from the Federal Government to curb the rising insecurity in some parts of the state.
The Governor stated that the RUGA Settlement project which the state government has keyed into was also part of the state government landmark initiatives aimed at addressing issues of insecurity particularly cattle rustling and kidnapping.
He said the state government has made appreciable progress in the development of the almost 40, 000 hectares grazing reserve at Bobi,Mariga local government area of the State.
Governor Sani Bello stated that the Herdsmen have shown their support for the programme and are committed to ensuring a sustained system would cater for their socio economic needs.
According to him, the private partner was to provide the necessary investment that would add value to the grazing reserve while the state government provide the infrastructure, security and other social services.
“So, overall, we have to work as partners between the investor, the government and the Herdsmen who are expected to stay at the designated grazing reserve so that there won’t be conflict between them and farmers”.the Governor said.
Sani- Bello also disclosed that the state government had already established functional schools, constructed dams and provided veterinary services at the grazing reserve adding that WAMCO is on ground constructing a diary collection center.
” I think it’s a win-win situation for all. If managed properly, I believe the government will get what it wants , the private investor will get his profit and the Herdsmen would live a normal life because they wouldn’t have to move around in search of pastures/water and their children would have the opportunity to acquire formal education “.
“So, I think the project has kicked off. Hopefully, Mr. President, after the rains, will go to Bibi grazing reserve to flag off the programme”.Alhaji Sani-Bello added.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello was among the State Governors that attended the meeting of the Northern Governors Forum held at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, earlier today.
Meanwhile, the meeting of the Northern Governors discussed issues on the development of agricultural sector as one of the areas of comparative economic advantage of the region, the persistent insecurity and the Almajiri phenomenon.
