West Africa: Govt Seeks Review of Ecowas Law On Free Grazing

Vice President Yemi Osinbanjo yesterday said there was need to review the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) protocol that allows unrestricted movement of animals for grazing across all countries in the sub-region, stating that Nigeria's interest to protect lives and property of her citizen "must come first."Speaking at the Northern States Stakeholders Security Summit with the theme, National building: Security challenges and the need for inclusive approach in Kaduna, he stated that the review of the law has become imperative in the face of the clashes between farmers and herdsmen in parts of the federation.

Represented by Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, the Vice President noted that the desertification sweeping across the sub-region had forced herdsmen to migrate from their countries of origin to Nigeria in search of greener pastures, thereby making the nation more vulnerable.His words: "From the Sahel down, the desertification is encroaching and herdsmen are moving from their countries down to Nigeria to seek pasture. We must find something to do about that.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.