Herders Will Be Introduced To Modern Practices – Says Tinubu
The newly inaugurated President of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, has promised that herdsmen will be introduced to “best modern practices” to reduce the incessant farmers-herders’ conflicts in the country.
In Nigeria, farmer-herder violence has killed thousands of people and displaced tens of thousands more. This crisis is predominantly between Muslim Fulani herdsmen and Christian peasants, exacerbating ethnic-religious hostilities.
To curb this, President Tinubu, during his inauguration on Monday, promised that agricultural hubs will be constructed to enhance productivity.
He said, “Rural incomes shall be secured by commodity exchange boards guaranteeing minimal prices for certain crops and animal products. A nationwide programme for storage and other facilities to reduce spoilage and waste will be undertaken.
“Agricultural hubs will be created throughout the nation to increase production and engage in value-added processing. The livestock sector will be introduced to best modern practices and steps taken to minimise the perennial conflict over land and water resources in this sector.
“Through these actions, food shall be made more abundant yet less costly. Farmers shall earn more while the average Nigerian pays less.”
The president also highlighted his plans to rebuild the Nigerian economy by making electricity more accessible and affordable to all households in Nigeria.
He added: “On the economy, we target a higher GDP growth and to significantly reduce unemployment. We intend to accomplish this by taking the following steps:
“First, budgetary reform stimulating the economy without engendering inflation will be instituted. Second, industrial policy will utilize the full range of fiscal measures to promote domestic manufacturing and lessen import dependency. Third, electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike. Power generation should nearly double and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.
“I have a message for our investors, local and foreign: our government shall review all their complaints about multiple taxation and various anti-investment inhibitions. We shall ensure that investors and foreign businesses repatriate their hard earned dividends and profits home,” he added in his inauguration speech.
