The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has rejected the Federal Government’s renewed cattle ranching policy. The group says the plan could create fresh disputes over land in the Middle Belt.

The forum raised concerns about proposed ranching sites in Adamawa, Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Benue, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement signed by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the MBF said the government should not allocate community land without the consent of the people who own or occupy it.

MBF raises land ownership concerns

The forum said many communities in the Middle Belt have faced years of attacks, killings and displacement.

It argued that the government should first help displaced residents return to their ancestral homes. It also called for better security in affected communities.

The MBF questioned the decision to set aside more land for cattle settlements while some communities remain displaced.

The group said large areas of Middle Belt land have already been abandoned or occupied because of insecurity. It warned that another round of land allocation could increase tensions.

The forum also criticised the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, over the proposed ranching programme.

Group questions choice of states

The MBF said the government should consider other parts of northern Nigeria for the programme.

It pointed to Jigawa, Kano, Sokoto, Bauchi, Zamfara and Northern Kebbi. According to the group, these areas have large areas of unused land.

The forum also questioned a change in the states selected for the proposed pilot programme.

It said Kano State appeared on the list announced by the minister in January 2026. The government later replaced Kano with Nasarawa State.

The MBF said the change raised concerns about the purpose and direction of the programme.

It also opposed the Wase ranching model in Plateau State. The minister has presented the model as an example of the ranching approach.

The forum claimed that some farmers and Plateau indigenes oppose the model. It also alleged that some political and traditional figures support it because they could benefit from land allocations.

Ranching policy and community consent

The MBF said the government must consult communities before using their land for ranching.

It called for clear security measures and proper discussions with landowners. The group warned that imposing a ranching programme could worsen existing tensions.

The issue also raises wider questions about land management in Nigeria.

Ranching requires land, roads, water supply, veterinary services and other infrastructure. Government agencies must therefore consider how such projects will affect existing communities and land users.

Clear land ownership records can also help reduce disputes. Proper planning can protect property rights while allowing new infrastructure and agricultural projects to grow.

Impact on housing and real estate

The dispute has implications beyond livestock development.

Land remains central to housing, real estate and infrastructure projects. Changes in land use can affect property owners, developers, investors and communities.

Unclear ownership can also discourage investment. It can delay housing projects and create disputes over development rights.

For this reason, land acquisition should follow clear legal procedures. Governments also need to engage affected communities before major land-use decisions.

MBF calls for policy suspension

The Middle Belt Forum called on President Bola Tinubu to suspend the proposed ranching policy in the region.

It also urged communities to use lawful and constitutional means to challenge any alleged unlawful acquisition of their land.

The group asked National Assembly members from affected states to question the Minister of Livestock Development. It said lawmakers should protect the interests of their constituents.

The MBF also warned state governors against allocating community land without the consent of local residents.

The forum said such decisions could have political consequences ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The dispute shows the challenge of balancing livestock development with land rights and community interests. For Nigeria’s housing and real estate sectors, the issue also highlights the need for clear land records, proper planning and transparent land acquisition processes.

Any ranching programme that moves forward will need to address land ownership, community consent, security and infrastructure. These factors will be important to reducing conflict and supporting sustainable development.

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The Federal Government has issued a warning of potential flooding in several locations across 10 states, following predictions of heavy rainfall between April 8 and April 12, 2026.

The alert, issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Ministry of Environment, identified Ebonyi, Anambra, Ogun, Taraba, Cross River, Benue, Imo, Delta, Rivers, and Abia states as likely to experience significant rainfall that may trigger flooding. Communities listed include Onitsha, Atani, Afikpo, Ayetoro, Ikom, Owerri, Port Harcourt, and Umuahia.

The ministry advised residents and local authorities to take precautionary measures to reduce risks to lives and property. Usman Bokani, Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management, emphasized the importance of early preparedness to mitigate flood impacts.

The ministry’s forecast aligns with earlier warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which cautioned farmers against early planting after unpredictable rains in February and March 2026. Lagos State had also issued alerts for heavy rainfall and flash flooding as the rainy season approached.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official updates to ensure safety.

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The official unveiling took place at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, where Sanwo-Olu was joined by several high-profile guests, including governors from five states and leaders from both the public and private sectors. Among those in attendance were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Umaru Bago (Niger), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olajide Owolabi. Ekiti State was represented by a delegate.

Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos consumes more than half of the food traded across the Southwest, placing immense pressure on supply chains. He said the state’s food economy, valued at over N6 trillion, suffers a 50% loss in produce due to inadequate storage and inefficient transport logistics.

“It became clear that we must organise our food systems to feed our people well,” the governor stated. “With the ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme, we are directly addressing these gaps by enhancing logistics and connecting our dynamic food economy with producers across the country.”

The governor also introduced 150 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered 40-foot trucks under the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company. These trucks, he said, are designed to transport food efficiently across the country and return without refueling—marking a major shift in agricultural logistics.

“This initiative is not just about today’s needs. It’s about building an ecosystem that meets future demands,” Sanwo-Olu added. “We are combining policy with infrastructure and financial models that will endure, ensuring food availability for future generations.”

The project is supported by various special purpose vehicles including the Lagos Bulk Trading Company and private logistics provider Ekolog.

Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), pledged N25 billion in support of the initiative, stating, “The programme will help address unemployment, and UBA is fully committed to being a part of this transformational journey.”

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago also pledged his state’s support by offering 500,000 hectares of farmland exclusively for food production for Lagos.

“When I saw ‘Produce for Lagos,’ I said, no—I am farming for Lagos,” Bago remarked. “This is our way of creating value through partnership.”

The initiative also drew praise from the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who called the project “one of the most visionary food interventions” in recent times.

“This gives farmers value for their produce while ensuring the city builds a resilient food system. This is how we build the Lagos—and Nigeria—of the future,” Tijani noted.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, echoed similar sentiments, commending the Lagos State Government for recognizing the link between food security and national stability. In a statement released through Defence Headquarters, he applauded the collaboration with private and state-level partners, calling it “a timely and strategic intervention.”

The initiative, aligns with the Lagos State Agriculture and Food Systems Roadmap of 2021 and signals a new era of collaborative governance in addressing Nigeria’s food challenges.

The post Sanwo-Olu Unveils N500bn Food Security Scheme, Secures Support from Governors, Elumelu appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The PCN’s Head of Enforcement, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed the development at a press briefing in Jalingo on Friday. He stated that the council inspected 656 premises—including 83 pharmacies and 573 patent medicine stores—across Sardauna, Gashaka, Kurmi, Bali, Ardo Kola, Jalingo, Zing, Lau, and Yorro LGAs.

Of the total visited, 48 pharmacies and 395 patent medicine shops were sealed for various regulatory infractions, while 10 others received compliance directives.

“The exercise targeted unqualified individuals operating outside the scope of the law and aimed to ensure that medicines are dispensed in properly regulated environments,” Dr. Chiroma said.

He explained that offences ranged from operating without registration, unauthorized handling of controlled drugs, and overstocking, to illegal clinical practices and retailing from wholesale-only premises.

Dr. Chiroma emphasized that proper pharmaceutical care is critical to public health and safety, urging residents to only patronize licensed outlets. He encouraged the public to verify pharmacies by checking for clearly displayed PCN licences and to report suspicious activities to the council’s office in Jalingo.

He reiterated that the council’s efforts are in line with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, which outline the legal framework for drug manufacturing, importation, and end-user distribution in Nigeria.

“This operation aligns with our national mandate to eliminate substandard and falsified medicines, safeguard the health of citizens, and uphold the integrity of pharmacy practice in Nigeria,” Chiroma added.

The PCN affirmed its commitment to sustaining regular enforcement actions across all states to protect consumers and sanitize the healthcare sector.

The post PCN Shuts Down Over 400 Drug Outlets in Taraba State Amid Regulatory Crackdown appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the destruction in a statement on Monday, noting that the incident occurred on June 2 during a heavy rainstorm accompanied by violent winds. Affected areas include Anguwan Amare, Anguwan Hamidu, Anguwan Baki, and Sabon Layi, all within Kaigama Ward.

According to Mr. Ladan Ayuba, Head of NEMA’s Yola Operations Office, initial assessments show that over 300 structures were either destroyed or severely damaged, including private residences, a church, a school, and a hospital.

“Our rapid assessment team has completed the preliminary evaluation. We are now working closely with the Taraba State Emergency Management Agency to finalize a detailed report that will shape our next steps in delivering relief,” Ayuba stated.

In a coordinated response, the North East Development Commission (NEDC) has pledged to rehabilitate all affected households. A delegation from the commission, led by Deputy Director of Relief and Mediation, Hajia Batulu Isa, visited the devastated communities for an on-the-spot assessment.

“We are committed to supporting the victims with food, non-food items, and construction materials. The extent of damage we witnessed is severe, and we are taking swift steps to provide relief,” Isa said.

She added that the assessment report would be presented to the commission’s Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, to trigger immediate intervention.

Local authorities reported that six lives were lost, and more than 30 people sustained injuries, many of whom are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

Village head Hashimu Abdulkadir called for urgent support from both state and federal lawmakers representing the area, stressing the need for reconstruction of critical infrastructure such as health and education facilities.

“We are appealing to government officials and stakeholders to prioritize the recovery of our communities,” he said.

One of the displaced residents, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, who survived the storm with her six children, described the aftermath as dire.

“Since the storm hit, we’ve been struggling. We don’t have food, shelter, or clean water. We are pleading for urgent assistance,” she said.

Relief efforts are expected to commence once the final report is submitted, with both agencies promising a coordinated and timely response.

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The incident occurred at the United Methodist Church of Nigeria (UMCN), located behind the local divisional police office. According to eyewitness accounts, the structure gave way following a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds, which reportedly weakened the building.

Though no fatalities were recorded, multiple individuals were injured. Victims with minor injuries were taken to the Mutum-Biyu Referral Hospital, while those with fractures were treated by a traditional bone setter in the community.

Alhaji Baffa Wanzami, a local bone specialist, confirmed that he treated three individuals, including a young girl, who suffered fractures to their arms and legs.

“It’s a tragic event,” Wanzami said in a phone conversation. “Some worshippers were injured when the church collapsed. A few, including a little girl, were brought to me with broken limbs, and I’ve attended to them.”

A local resident, Musa Adamu, noted that the storm also affected several residential structures in the area.

Authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but community members have called for urgent assessments of public buildings, especially places of worship, to ensure structural safety in the face of increasingly severe weather patterns.

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Speaking at a press briefing in Jalingo on Monday, community youth leader Robert Bukar highlighted the need for decisive action to address escalating tensions between herders and farmers. He emphasized that although the law was enacted under former Governor Darius Ishaku to curb such violence, its implementation has remained inconsistent.

Bukar pointed to recent incidents where armed attacks claimed multiple lives and destroyed properties. “We buried 12 of our people in one day, yet no government official came to sympathize with us—not from the local, state, or federal level,” he said.

While acknowledging the delivery of relief materials, Bukar noted that what the community needed most was government presence, security reinforcement, and justice for the victims. “Relief items are not enough. We wanted to feel seen, supported, and protected in our grief.”

He lamented that in many cases, residents are arrested while perpetrators go unpunished. “In the latest incident, herders caught with firearms were taken into custody, only to be released the next day. This pattern erodes trust in the system.”

The youth leader also urged the state government to bolster security to enable displaced farmers to return to their land safely. He further appealed for a transparent investigation by the recently formed administrative panel tasked with probing the attacks, demanding that those responsible be held accountable.

The community’s call adds pressure on authorities to address long-standing grievances over land use, justice, and rural security—issues that have fueled instability in parts of Taraba and other agrarian regions in Nigeria.

The post Taraba Community Urges Full Enforcement of Grazing Ban Amid Renewed Attacks appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Sunday by Joshua Maaku, Director General of the Taraba Geographic Information Service (TAGIS). According to Maaku, the recertification exercise is part of an effort to update land documentation and enhance transparency in property administration.

He urged all landowners in the state to participate by visiting the TAGIS headquarters—formerly known as the Bureau for Land and Survey—located in Jalingo, the state capital.

The exercise will run for six months, after which late recertification will attract additional charges. Maaku emphasized the importance of adhering to the timeline, warning that failure to comply could result in penalties.

“This is an opportunity for property owners to regularize their land documents in line with the state’s guidelines. We advise everyone to act promptly to avoid unnecessary costs,” he added.

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This is contained in the NBS report on IGR at State Level for 2023.

The report said the 2023 IGR grew by 26.03 per cent when compared to the N1.93 trillion recorded in 2022.

The bureau said taxes sub-category recorded in the period are Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Direct Assessment, Road taxes, Stamp duties, Capital gain tax, Withholding taxes, Other taxes and LGAs revenue.

According to the report, the leading states in total IGR in 2023 were Lagos, FCT and Rivers with N815.86 billion, N211.10 billion and N195.41 billion, respectively.

“The least three performing states during the year were Taraba, Yobe and Kebbi with the value of N10.87 billion, N11.19 billion and N11.74 billion, respectively.”

The report said PAYE was the most contributing revenue source in 2023 at N1.24 trillion which represented a 63.83 per cent share of the total taxes collected nationwide.

The bureau said capital gains tax generated the least in 2023 with N5.91 billion.

The report said total taxes to total IGR stood at about 80 per cent nationally.
NAN

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