From Beggars to Cows: Wike’s Unkept Promises and Their Impact on Abuja

August 23, 2024, marked the one-year anniversary of Nyesom Wike’s promise to end open grazing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). As Minister of the FCT, Wike had pledged in August 2023 to consult with herders and stop cows from roaming the city. “We cannot allow cows inside the city,” he said at the time, emphasizing the need to curb open grazing in Abuja.

However, a year later, the situation remains largely unchanged. Despite Wike’s promises, cattle continue to graze in the capital city. In a meeting with Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria Daniel Bertrand in March 2024, Wike once again reiterated his stance on ending open grazing, but the policy appears to have had little impact on the ground.

Over the past 16 months, significant numbers of herds have been spotted throughout Abuja, with cows freely grazing in busy areas. In August 2024, a large herd was observed around the Defence Headquarters, obstructing traffic during peak hours. Similarly, in September, another herd was seen grazing near the Vice President’s newly built residence, directly opposite the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The ongoing presence of cows on the streets has sparked frustration among residents, many of whom feel that Wike’s directive has become an issue of politics rather than governance. Shefiu Adio, a taxi driver and resident of the city, pointed out that the matter of cattle grazing has been highly politicized. He noted that such a directive in Rivers State, Wike’s home state, would likely have been followed without resistance. However, in Abuja, which is viewed as the capital where all Nigerians are equal, the move to ban grazing is seen as an attack on northern Nigerians, who are predominantly involved in cattle farming.

“The minister must understand how delicate the situation is when it comes to cows in Nigeria,” Adio explained. “In Rivers, it would have been obeyed, but in Abuja, it becomes a sensitive issue.”

Cattle grazing continues in at least 16 locations across the city, including areas like Asokoro Extension and Guzape. Herders can also be seen grazing their cattle along the Airport Road, where the highway grass has become a favored spot. Some residents have started referring to these cows as “government children,” suggesting that their presence is tolerated due to political considerations.

The issue of cattle grazing in Abuja is not just about cows occupying city streets. Many residents are hopeful that the newly created Ministry of Livestock will provide practical solutions to this ongoing problem. Umar Ubandawaki, a cattle trader at Deidei Market, explained that rapid urbanization has displaced many Fulani communities, pushing herders to seek alternative grazing locations in the city. He argued that solutions should focus on finding sustainable solutions for herders rather than issuing threats.

“The minister must offer better solutions rather than threats,” Ubandawaki said, stressing the need to address the root causes of the issue, including the displacement of Fulani communities due to urban development.

This is not the first time Wike has made bold promises that have been largely ignored or not fully implemented. Earlier, he ordered the removal of beggars from various parts of the city. While some beggars were forcefully removed, many others continue to occupy the same locations, underscoring the difficulties in enforcing policy in the capital.

As Wike’s administration continues to tackle the complex issues surrounding open grazing, the challenge remains to find a balance between political sensitivity and effective governance. Whether his promises will be realized or fade into the background like previous policies remains to be seen.