FCTA bans open grazing in Abuja

Fulani Herdsmen

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has proscribed open grazing of cattle in Abuja.

Director, Abuja Environmental Protection Agency Hassan Abubakar told PUNCH on Wednesday that the one-month ultimatum issued to the pastoralists had expired, adding that violators would be sanctioned henceforth.

Northern governors recently admitted that open grazing of cattle was no longer feasible.

Abubakar also said the FCT minister Muhammad Bello had allocated five locations for cattle grazing in Abaji, Kwali and Kuje area councils.

“We held meetings with the leadership of Fulani herdsmen in the FCT and they have agreed on so many issues. We have given them time, which they asked for, and when the time lapses, we will strike. They are not allowed to graze inside the city; that’s prohibited,” he said.

“Even the minister has approved some grazing areas where RUGA is going to be created; about five areas. We have one around Kwali; another one in Abaji and one in Kuje.”