ENUGU – The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has categorically opposed the Federal Government’s initiative to acquire land in Imo State and other South Eastern states to establish cattle ranches as part of the 2025 national budget.
In a statement released by its National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, ASITU expressed concerns about the proposal, labeling it as dubious, inflammatory, and unjust. The association argued that cattle ranching is a private enterprise that should not receive government funding.
ASITU raised critical questions regarding the equity and legality of this initiative, stating that it unfairly targets Igbo traders who must independently secure land for their business ventures without government support. “Cattle rearing is fundamentally a private business, and managing or funding it should not fall under the Nigerian government’s purview. It is widely recognized that the livestock farming sector, particularly cattle rearing, is largely dominated by a specific ethnic group in the country,” the statement noted.
The Igbo Town Unions emphasized that while ranching is being supported by the federal government, Igbo entrepreneurs face significant obstacles when acquiring land for their operations without similar backing. Currently, the South Eastern states are already contending with a shortage of land due to rising demands for agricultural activities, urban development, and infrastructure projects. The proposition to allocate additional land for private ranches, particularly for an industry predominantly controlled by another ethnic group, is seen as an act of direct injustice towards the local populace.
“Our communities are under significant pressure to provide land for agriculture, housing, and essential development. It is unfair and unacceptable to utilize our limited land resources for private cattle ranching,” ASITU declared.
The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) also accused the government of lacking sensitivity to the implications of such policies on the socio-economic fabric of the region. “Igbo traders face considerable challenges when it comes to land acquisition for their businesses throughout Nigeria, often without any form of governmental assistance. In certain instances, land owned by Igbo entrepreneurs has been unlawfully seized by various state governments,” the statement added.
The group questioned why cattle ranchers receive preferential support from the federal government while Igbo businesspeople must navigate the complex process of land acquisition on their own. “Why should cattle rearing see preferential treatment when Igbo entrepreneurs are left to fend for themselves?” the union asked.
ASITU demanded an immediate cessation of the federal government’s ranching initiative in the South East, warning that this move could exacerbate ethnic tensions and feelings of marginalization in the region. “This proposed ranching program rekindles fears regarding the ongoing marginalization of the Igbo community within Nigeria. The government must cease prioritizing the business interests of a single ethnic group at the detriment of others,” the statement concluded.
The union urged the government to devise policies that promote equality, economic progress, and national cohesion instead of enacting divisive measures that alienate indigenous populations. “The South East deserves better. We will resist any policy that seeks to appropriate our land for private interests under any circumstances.”
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