Wike Says Open Grazing in Abuja Is Being Handled Cautiously Due to National Complexities

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has acknowledged the public frustration over open grazing in Abuja, stating that while he is working to resolve the issue, it must be approached with caution and sensitivity due to the complex political and cultural dynamics of Nigeria.

Wike made the remarks on Monday during his monthly press briefing in Abuja, where he admitted the presence of roaming cattle in the capital city remains a source of national embarrassment but also a delicate problem to solve.

“No rational person will be happy seeing cows on the roads,” Wike said.
“The country we are in is not an easy one. We have to tread consciously and carefully, especially in a time of crisis, so we don’t compound issues.”

The minister explained that addressing open grazing involves navigating cultural, political, and legal complexities and differs significantly from managing a private enterprise.

“Governance is not like running a private business,” he added. “You have to tread cautiously, and we are doing everything we can.”

Wike revealed that a grazing reserve of about 1,000 hectares had already been allocated prior to his appointment, but efforts to implement its use have been hampered by land grabbers and encroachment.

“If I tell you the fight we’re currently fighting… so many people have encroached. Land grabbers have taken over large portions. But it's a problem we are determined to sort out.”

Wike emphasized that while the FCT Administration is committed to ending open grazing, it must be done in a way that respects Nigeria’s ethnic and political sensitivities, particularly at a time of national tension and security challenges.

“The truth is, nobody is happy about open grazing in the capital, but we have to address it wisely. This is not something you fix by force—it requires strategy,” he said.

The issue of open grazing has long been a source of conflict in Nigeria, often intersecting with debates over land rights, rural security, and ethnic tensions. Abuja, as the nation’s capital, remains a symbolic and functional center, making the presence of herds on major roads especially contentious.

Wike's statements suggest that policy solutions are in motion, but will require land recovery, stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning to achieve lasting results.