OPEN GRAZING PROHIBITION LEGISLATION IN NIGERIA: A PANACEA FOR CONFLICT AND INSECURITY

Abstract

Nigeria has in recent times witnessed increased clashes and conflicts between the farmers and herdsmen in different states of the country, especially in the Middle Belt areas of Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Plateau and Kaduna. The violent killings, maiming, destruction of public and private properties which has always characterized this incessant crisis has led to the enactment of laws prohibiting open rearing and grazing of livestock and the provision of establishment of ranches and livestock administration in these states and several other states of the federation. Through the doctrinal research method, this paper has found that the principal cause of the farmers-herders imbroglio in Nigeria is the struggle for scarce resources, that is land and water which has always put the duo on a collision course. Another cause may be due to the insecurity arising from the activities of Boko Haram, Banditry and cattle rustlers in Northern Nigeria. It recommends a complete and strict implementation of the open grazing laws in Nigeria to eliminate the need for the violent competition between the farmers and herdsmen for the limited land and water resources in Nigeria.