What happened to the AEPB Act of 1997?

If you live in Abuja, then chances are high that you would have come across Nomadic cattle-rearers on the highways in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. These cattle rearers are always in tow with a large number of cows making their ways through areas like Garki, Zone C and D legislative quarters, Gudu and […]

If you live in Abuja, then chances are high that you would have come across Nomadic cattle-rearers on the highways in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. These cattle rearers are always in tow with a large number of cows making their ways through areas like Garki, Zone C and D legislative quarters, Gudu and other areas of the city.

It’s quite improper to have cows roaming the streets of the Federal Capital Territory. The sight is appalling and the excretion from the animals defiles the city. One is forced to ask what the Abuja Environmental Protection Board is looking at.

The AEPB Act of 1997 clearly forbids cattle grazing or the free movement of animals on the streets of Abuja. Some times cars are forced to stop on the roads, so cows can make their way through, no matter the hurry such motorists are in.

What happened to the 33,485 hectares of grazing reserves that was set aside for seven million herds of cattle by the FCT administration? Why is it not being used? Why are the cattle rearers not being forced to move? These are the questions we need the administration to answer.

 

From Marian Ikwueme, Wuse zone 3