cows

August 23, 2024, marked exactly one year since the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, promised to end open grazing in Abuja.

“We will consult with the herdsmen to see how we will stop [open grazing] because we cannot allow cows inside the city,” Mr Wike had said in August 2023.

In March 2024, during a meeting with the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand, Mr Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, reiterated this stance.

DAILY POST, over the past 16 months, monitored major spots around the city and satellite towns to assess the implementation of the policy. The findings reveal that cows are still grazing in the city.

In August 2024, a large herd of cattle was spotted around the Defence Headquarters, moving majestically in the middle of the road during working hours.

Similarly, in September 2024, another herd was spotted very close to the newly constructed residence of the Vice President, opposite the gate of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

There have been similar sightings of cows across the city despite Wike’s threats and promises as minister.

“The minister is gradually coming to terms with the ‘politics of cattle’ within the context of Nigeria,” Shefiu Adio, a resident of the city and a taxi driver, told DAILY POST when cows blocked the road near the traffic light close to the Defence Headquarters.

Mr Adio explained that the conversation around cows has become highly politicised, adding that such an order by the minister is seen as targeting northerners, who are predominantly involved in cattle rearing.

“Wike must understand how delicate the situation is in Nigeria when it comes to cows.

“In Rivers State, that order would have been obeyed without question. However, in Abuja, seen as the capital where everyone is equal, his directive would be seen as an attack against northerners,” Mr Adio said, as many passengers in his vehicle fumed over the audacity of the herders.

DAILY POST observed open grazing in 16 locations across the city, including Asokoro Extension and Guzape. Along the Airport Road, herders graze their cows on grasses growing on the highway.

To many residents, these cows are openly referred to as “government children.”

Some residents have expressed optimism that the recent creation of the Ministry of Livestock could lead to more practical solutions.

“Rapid urbanisation is not helping matters. Many Fulani communities have been displaced, and areas that once provided grasses for cows now have estates on them,” Umar Ubandawaki, who runs a cattle stand at Deidei Market, said in a phone interview.

DAILY POST gathered that many herders’ settlements in Katampe, Sabo Lugbe, and other rapidly developing areas have been displaced by developers.

“The minister must offer better solutions rather than threats,” Mr Ubandawaki said.

This is not the first time Mr Wike has made pronouncements that were largely ignored.

Some months ago, he ordered the removal of beggars from most parts of the city.

In some instances, they were forcefully removed. However, the beggars still occupy several places within the FCT.