NIGERIA GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS RUGA PROGRAMME
“We are aware that today that Mr President has suspended the implementation of Ruga programme, initiated and being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, because it is not consistent with the NEC and Federal Government approved National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) which has programmes of rehabilitation of displaced IDPs, resulting from the crisis and also development of ranches in any willing state of the federation,” Umahi said.
“The National Livestock Transformation Plan, its beauty is that what NEC and FG approved is a voluntary programme to all the 36 states who may like to participate. So, it is not compulsory, it is for any state that is willing, will key into the programme’.
“Any state that is interested in this programme is required to bring up a development plan that is keyed towards the implementation in line with our own programme here that is unique to his state based on the challenges that he has in respect of the crisis. That’s the decision of this committee,” the governor said.
Penpushing further reports that, Ruga is a programmed recently announced by the Federal Government to enable willing states to contribute large areas of land to the federal government for construction of animal husbandry settlements.
The Presidency had said 12 States have indicated willingness to be part of the programme, but it has been criticised by many Nigerians,as well as many State Governors opposing it.
Penpushing also reports that, the National Executive Council(NEC) is headed by Vice President,Prof Yemi Osinbanjo and had developed the NLTP as a long-term solution to the perennial herdsmen and farmers crisis.
