ASITU Rejects Federal Government’s Plan to Establish Cattle Ranches in South East

The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s proposal to acquire land in Imo State and other South East states for cattle ranching under the 2025 national budget. The group condemned the move as unjust, provocative, and unfair to the region, emphasizing that cattle ranching is a private business that should not be funded with public resources.

In a statement signed by its National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, ASITU criticized the government’s decision, arguing that it unfairly favors a particular economic sector dominated by a specific ethnic group while neglecting the struggles of Igbo traders and entrepreneurs. The union maintained that business owners from the South East, who operate across Nigeria, often face difficulties in acquiring land and receive no government assistance in establishing their enterprises.

A Private Business Should Not Receive Government Funding

ASITU pointed out that livestock farming, including cattle rearing, is a private economic activity and should not be treated as a national obligation. The group questioned why the federal government would allocate public funds and land to support ranching for private cattle owners when Igbo traders receive no such benefits for their businesses.

“Cattle rearing is a private enterprise and should not be the responsibility of the Nigerian government to fund or manage. It is well known that the cattle industry is controlled by a particular ethnic group, yet the government is prioritizing their business over others,” the statement read.

The union also noted that in various parts of Nigeria, Igbo entrepreneurs must go through rigorous processes to acquire land, often facing obstacles, bureaucratic delays, and, in some cases, forceful takeovers of their properties by state governments. ASITU, therefore, questioned why cattle ranchers should receive preferential treatment while Igbo businesses continue to struggle.

Land Scarcity and Development Concerns in the South East

Highlighting the issue of land scarcity in the region, ASITU expressed concerns that the government’s proposal would worsen existing challenges related to agriculture, housing, and infrastructure development. According to the group, South East communities are already struggling to meet the growing demand for land to support farming and urban expansion.

“Our communities are already under immense pressure to provide land for essential purposes such as agriculture, housing, and infrastructure. Handing over our scarce land to private ranchers is not only unfair but completely unacceptable,” the union declared.

ASITU also accused the federal government of being insensitive by pushing forward policies that could negatively impact the socio-economic well-being of the South East. The group argued that such policies fuel feelings of marginalization and deepen ethnic divisions in the country.

Warning Against Ethnic Discrimination

The union warned that proceeding with the ranching initiative in the South East could escalate ethnic tensions and reinforce the perception of discrimination against the Igbo people. It emphasized that every business sector should be treated fairly without government favoritism for one group over another.

“Igbo traders and business owners in other regions of Nigeria have never received such privileges from the government. In many cases, lands legally acquired by them have been confiscated. If the government is serious about fairness, it should provide similar support to all businesses, not just cattle ranchers,” ASITU stated.

Call for a Fair and Inclusive Economic Policy

ASITU urged the federal government to reconsider the policy and focus on initiatives that promote fairness, economic development, and national unity. The group insisted that the South East should not be forced to surrender its limited land for private interests, especially when Igbo businesses face significant challenges elsewhere in Nigeria.

“The South East deserves policies that enhance growth and development, not ones that take away our land to benefit private individuals,” the statement concluded.

ASITU reiterated its stance that any attempt to impose cattle ranching on the region would be met with strong resistance. The group called on the government to prioritize inclusive policies that respect the rights and interests of all ethnic groups rather than implementing programs that could further divide the country.