August 23, 2024, marked a year since Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), pledged to end open grazing in Abuja.
However, the continued presence of cattle roaming freely in the city center has cast doubts on the effectiveness of his policy and highlighted the complexities of enforcement.
In August 2023, shortly after assuming office, Wike declared his intention to consult with herders to phase out open grazing, emphasizing that cattle would no longer be allowed inside the city.
He reiterated this commitment in March 2024 during a meeting with Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand.
Despite these declarations, little progress has been made over the past 16 months, as monitoring of major areas in the city and satellite towns reveals persistent grazing activities.
In August 2024, a large herd of cattle was seen near the Defence Headquarters, disrupting traffic during work hours.
Just weeks later, another herd was spotted near the newly constructed residence of the Vice President, directly opposite the gate of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Similar sightings have been reported in various parts of the city, including Asokoro Extension, Guzape, and along Airport Road, where herders graze their cattle on grasses growing along the highway.
For many residents, these cattle have become a symbol of defiance, earning the nickname “government children” due to the perception that herders are immune to enforcement.
This ongoing situation has sparked widespread frustration and debate about the political undertones of the policy.
Shefiu Adio, a taxi driver and Abuja resident, observed that the issue of open grazing has become politicized in Nigeria.
He suggested that while such an order might be enforceable in Rivers State, where Wike served as governor, Abuja’s diverse population views the directive as targeting northern herders.
Adio’s passengers voiced their displeasure after cows blocked traffic near the Defence Headquarters, further illustrating the tensions surrounding the issue.
Urbanization has also played a significant role in exacerbating the problem. According to Umar Ubandawaki, a cattle dealer at Deidei Market, many Fulani communities have been displaced by rapid development.
Areas that once served as grazing grounds for cattle have been replaced by estates, leaving herders with few options. Ubandawaki expressed optimism that the newly created Ministry of Livestock might offer practical solutions, emphasizing that threats alone will not resolve the issue.
This is not the first time Wike’s directives have faced resistance. Earlier this year, his order to remove beggars from parts of the city saw only temporary compliance, as many returned to their usual spots within weeks.
The continued presence of open grazing, despite Wike’s promises, underscores broader challenges in governance and enforcement within the FCT.
Residents remain hopeful that the government will develop comprehensive solutions that address the needs of herders while keeping pace with Abuja’s rapid urbanization.
Without actionable strategies and alternative provisions for displaced herders, Wike’s promises risk being reduced to mere rhetoric.