Igbo Town Union Rejects FG Plan For  Cattle Ranches In South east

The Association of Igbo Town Unions, ASITU has opposed the Federal government’s plan to acquire land in Imo State and other South East states for the establishment of cattle ranches.

Ranching is a private business, the Union said wondering whether the government is also prepared to acquire lands for Igbo business men to do their business.

The federal government has proposed to acquire a large expanse of land across the country under the 2025 budget.

The plan is in accordance with the government’s quest to end herders and farmers clash across the country.

But in a statement issued on Wednesday ASITU said ranching  is a private business and should not be funded by the government using public funds.

In the statement signed by ASITU President Chief Emeka Diwe, the union said the plan to establish ranches for the herders is not only unfair but illegal, saying it’s the action is discriminatory against Igbo traders.

“Cattle rearing, as a private enterprise, should not be the responsibility of the Nigerian government to fund or manage. It is well established that livestock farming is a private business, and the cattle rearing segment of it is primarily controlled by a specific ethnic group in the country.”

The union questioned why the federal government is prioritizing ranching for private cattle owners, while Igbo entrepreneurs in other parts of Nigeria struggle to navigate land acquisition without similar support.

ASITU highlighted that states in the South East are already grappling with severe land scarcity, with increasing demands for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure. Allocating more land for private ranching, particularly for an industry dominated by another ethnic group, is seen as a direct injustice to the people of the region.

“Our communities are under pressure to provide land for farming, housing, and development. Using our limited land for private ranches is unfair and unacceptable.”

The group also accused the government of insensitivity in pushing forward such policies without considering their impact on the socio-economic well-being of the region.

“Igbo Traders Get No Such Support”

“Igbo people doing business across Nigeria go through the rigorous process of acquiring land and establishing their ventures without federal intervention. Why should cattle ranchers get special treatment?”

ASITU urged  the federal government’s ranching initiative in the South East, saying such plan is capable of fueling ethnic tension in the region.

“This proposed ranching scheme rekindles concerns about the continued marginalization of the Igbo people in Nigeria. The government must stop prioritizing the business interests of one ethnic group at the expense of others