The Presidency has placed fresh emphasis on livestock reform, with President Bola Tinubu directing Vice-President Kashim Shettima to use the National Economic Council to identify and rehabilitate grazing reserves into ranches. He said this is necessary to defuse farmer-herder flashpoints and formalise the livestock economy, stressing that ranch development must now take priority.
He explained that states should work with NEC to salvage available land and convert it into ranches or livestock settlements that can open new economic opportunities. Tinubu stated, “We must eliminate the possibility of conflicts and turn the Livestock reform into economically viable development. The opportunity is there. Let’s utilise it.”
This charge came as the President, on Wednesday, reaffirmed his earlier order to pull police officers off VIPs and redeploy them to core policing duties. He spoke minutes before presiding over the Federal Executive Council at the State House, Abuja. Showing frustration about the slow pace of implementation, he said, “I honestly believe in what I said… It should be effected. If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance.”
To avoid exposing individuals who require protection, Tinubu directed the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to work with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps to replace withdrawn escorts. He said, “The minister of interior should liaise IG and the Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties. So that you don’t leave people exposed.”
He also instructed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Department of State Services to guide the process and ensure compliance. According to him, “NSA and DSS will provide further information and form themselves the committee and review the structure.”
The President linked the decision to rising kidnapping cases across several states. He said, “We are facing challenges of kidnapping. We need all the forces we have on the ground, fully utilised.” While he acknowledged that some officials remain vulnerable, he said civil defence officers should take over VIP protection when necessary.
Tinubu added, “I know some of our people are exposed and I understand that we have to make exceptional provision for them and civil defence is equally armed and I want to know that from NSA to arm our forest guards too, take it very seriously.”
Tinubu confirmed that forest guards will be armed, saying, “I have directed the NSA to arm our forest guards, too. Take it seriously.”
Reiterating his directive on livestock reform, he said Shettima should ensure NEC identifies grazing reserves or villages that can be rehabilitated into ranches. He explained that land belongs to the states and whichever areas can be salvaged should be converted into livestock villages to reduce conflicts and promote prosperity.
Wednesday’s announcement followed a similar order issued on November 23 after a security meeting at the State House, Abuja, where the government responded to attacks that led to the kidnapping of at least 300 people across Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States.
A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noted that VIP police escorts will now be redeployed to core police duties. Onanuga said VIPs requiring protection must request personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
