A fresh controversy has erupted over the Federal Government’s proposed livestock development programme, with the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) strongly opposing plans to establish ranching sites in parts of the Middle Belt, warning that the initiative could trigger a new wave of land ownership disputes across the country.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the influential regional coalition accused the Federal Government of attempting to acquire ancestral lands belonging to indigenous communities under the guise of a pilot scheme linked to the New National Livestock Policy.

According to the forum, the proposed ranching locations reportedly cover Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, Southern Kaduna, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), areas it described as historically sensitive due to longstanding conflicts over land, farming, and grazing activities.

The group said it was deeply concerned by what it called an “audacious attempt” to take over community-owned lands in the Middle Belt, questioning why the pilot project was concentrated largely in the region despite the availability of vast tracts of land in other parts of northern Nigeria.

SMBLF argued that while the initiative is currently being presented as a pilot programme, there are fears it could eventually be expanded to Southern states if affected communities fail to challenge it from the outset.

‘We Support Ranching, But Not This Approach’

Despite its opposition to the proposed scheme, the forum clarified that it is not against ranching, modern livestock production, or efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock value chain.

Rather, it said its concern lies with what it described as the lack of transparency surrounding the programme and what it perceives as an implementation strategy that disproportionately benefits nomadic Fulani herders.

The group maintained that ranching is a private economic venture and should not be used as a basis for compulsory acquisition of community lands.

Backs Middle Belt Forum’s Position

The SMBLF threw its weight behind the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), which had earlier rejected the proposed ranching initiative, and called on Southern state governments and local communities to remain vigilant.

According to the forum, communities must closely scrutinise any policy involving large-scale land allocation to ensure that the rights of indigenous landowners are protected.

Questions Over Land Use Act

A major plank of the forum’s argument centred on the Land Use Act of 1978, which it said does not empower the government to arbitrarily seize ancestral lands.

The group argued that rural lands remain vested in local governments and protected under customary rights of occupancy, adding that land can only be revoked under clearly defined circumstances involving overriding public interest.

It further noted that agricultural lands, including unused or fallow farmlands, remain the property of local communities and should not be reclassified for private economic ventures without due process.

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Raises Security and Demographic Concerns

The forum also linked its opposition to wider security concerns, alleging that the proposed policy could ultimately facilitate the establishment of permanent settlements for nomadic herders in parts of the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria.

SMBLF referenced years of violent conflicts, displacement of rural populations, and disputes between farmers and herders, arguing that any policy perceived as rewarding groups accused of violence would face stiff resistance from affected communities.

The coalition further raised concerns about the citizenship status of some pastoralists operating within Nigeria, insisting that such issues must be addressed before any large-scale land allocation programme is implemented.

Echoes RUGA, Cattle Colony Debate

Drawing parallels with previous livestock initiatives, including the controversial RUGA and Cattle Colony proposals, the forum said Nigerians had previously rejected similar programmes over fears of land dispossession and demographic restructuring.

It warned that the Federal Government should not underestimate public sensitivity surrounding land ownership, particularly in regions where ancestral lands remain central to economic survival, cultural identity, and community heritage.

Demands Full Disclosure

As part of its demands, the SMBLF called on the Federal Government to publicly disclose details of the proposed ranching programme, including the exact locations of the ranches, land acquisition processes, ownership structures, funding arrangements, security implications, and intended beneficiaries.

The forum insisted that until those details are made public and adequate safeguards are provided for host communities, it would continue to reject the policy.

“We will resist every attempt to seize community lands under the guise of livestock development,” the group declared.

The statement was jointly signed by prominent regional leaders, including HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Leader of Afenifere and Chairman of SMBLF; Dr Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum; Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; and Ambassador Godknows Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF.

The latest development sets the stage for another national debate over land rights, livestock reform, and the delicate balance between economic development and community ownership in Nigeria.