Cows have been noticeably roaming Abuja streets months after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, threatened to end open grazing in the nation’s capital city.
Zinari News recalls that Wike vowed to end open grazing in Abuja over sixteen months ago.
The Minister made this promise not long after his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We will consult with the herdsmen to see how we will stop [open grazing] because we cannot allow cows inside the city,” the former Governor of Rivers State had said in August 2023.
Also, in March 2024, during a meeting with the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand, Wike reiterated this stance.
Over the last 16 months, journalists have conducted observations in key areas throughout the city and its satellite towns to evaluate the enforcement of the policy.
According to the Daily Post, the results indicate that cattle continue to graze within the urban environment.
The media platform reported that in August 2024, a substantial herd of cattle was observed near the Defence Headquarters, traversing the road with notable presence during peak working hours.
Likewise, in September 2024, another herd was seen in close proximity to the newly built residence of the Vice President, directly across from the entrance of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Despite the threats and commitments made by Wike during his tenure as minister, similar occurrences of cattle have been reported throughout the city.
