Nigerian govt suspends Ruga project

The Federal Government on Tuesday stepped down its plan on the proposed Ruga Programme.

An aide in the presidency who confirmed the development to Channels TV, also said the Governors Forum will be speaking on the matter soon.

The planned Ruga initiative has been generating ripples across the country, as it was criticized as an agenda to saturate herdsmen across the country for ulterior motives.

But the presidency in its response, defended the controversial Ruga settlements programme saying that the initiative is for the benefit of all.

Recall that a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Garba Shehu, maintained that the programme is not a scheme to reposition the Fulani people, adding that no state has been forced to partake of the initiative.

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“The Presidency wishes to draw attention to recent unhelpful comments regarding the plan to stop roaming of cattle herders with the attendant clashes with farmers.

“Ruga Settlement” that seeks to settle migrant pastoral families simply means rural settlement in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organized place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products.

Beneficiaries will include all persons in animal husbandry, not only Fulani herders.”

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