Abuja community laments take- over of 9000 hectares of farmlands for grazing reserve without compensation
Abuja community laments take- over of 9000 hectares of farmlands for grazing reserve without compensation
By Ndukaku Ihe
The District Head of Kawu, in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Alhaji Ali Dankawu, has lamented that 9000 hectares of farmlands belonging to the original land owners has been taken for grazing reserve without compensation.
Dankawu who spoke at the flag off of the 2025 national pasture planting day at the community, further disclosed that the grazing land was established by the Federal Capital Territory administration without the consent of the original settlers.
He however, stated that both the pastures and the original settlers are living peacefully in the community.
The community leader who was addressing the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha and the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, called on the FCT administration to address compensation for original landowners of the 9,000-hectare reserve and improve security for surrounding villages.
“It is to be recalled that this grazing reserve is established by the Ministry of FCT, and nearly without the consent of the original settlers. However, all the original settlers are on good terms, and welcoming. Indeed, the project is a very good avenue for development.
“But, as we speak today, no compensation has been paid to the owners of the farmland that is accommodating the grazing, which is about 9,000 hectares,” Dankawu lamented.
He called for the establishment of security presence in the community, harbouring over six villages including the grazing reserve as well as the completion of the road.
Earlier, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, pledged the Federal government commitment to transform grazing reserves into hubs of sustainable livestock production, peaceful coexistence, and economic empowerment.
Maiha, described the ceremony as more than just planting seeds, calling it “the sowing of a vision” for resuscitating grazing reserves, promoting environmental stewardship, and strengthening Nigeria’s livestock value chain.
“Our grazing reserves, such as the one in Kawu, are not merely patches of land but hubs of opportunity for pasture and crop production, breed improvement, veterinary services, youth and women empowerment, and food security,” Maiha said.
Highlighting the challenges posed by inadequate quality fodder, the minister announced that eight pasture varieties had been released into the national seed system for the first time in 48 years.
He said the ministry was also establishing pasture seed banks, feedlots, irrigation and water harvesting systems, and forging research partnerships with universities, the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), and international agencies to promote high-yield, drought-tolerant pasture species.
Maiha commended the Kawu community, the Buhari Emirate Council, and development partners for their support, urging Nigerians to see the planting as a symbol of hope for a future where livestock production thrives alongside environmental and social stability.
Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure who represented the FCT Administration, commended the initiative as a strategic step to ensure year-round quality feed for livestock, reduce overgrazing, prevent land degradation, and enhance peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.
She said the Kawu Grazing Reserve could serve as a model for other states with proper management and infrastructure.
Responding to the issue of compensation raised by the Kawu community leader, the Minister said the issue needs to follow due process with appropriate quarters.
