The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plan to acquire land in Imo State and other South Eastern states for cattle ranching as part of the 2025 national budget.
In a statement by its National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, ASITU described the proposal as dubious, inflammatory, and unjust. The association argued that cattle ranching is a private business and should not be funded by the government.
ASITU questioned the fairness and legality of the initiative, pointing out that Igbo traders must secure land for their businesses without government assistance
“Cattle rearing is fundamentally a private enterprise, and funding it should not be the responsibility of the Nigerian government. The livestock sector, particularly cattle rearing, is dominated by a specific ethnic group in the country,” the statement read.
The Igbo Town Unions noted that while ranching is receiving government support, Igbo entrepreneurs struggle to acquire land without similar backing.
The South East already faces land shortages due to growing demands for agriculture, urban expansion, and infrastructure projects. Allocating land for private ranches, especially for an industry controlled by another ethnic group, is viewed as a direct injustice to the local communities.
“Our communities are under pressure to provide land for farming, housing, and development. It is unfair and unacceptable to divert our limited land resources for private cattle ranching,” ASITU stated.
The association also accused the government of being insensitive to the economic implications of such policies. “Igbo traders face immense challenges acquiring land for their businesses across Nigeria, often without any form of government support. In some cases, land owned by Igbo entrepreneurs has been unlawfully seized by state authorities,” the statement added.
ASITU questioned why cattle ranchers are receiving preferential government treatment while Igbo businesspeople struggle with land acquisition. “Why should cattle rearing be prioritized while Igbo entrepreneurs are left to fend for themselves?” the union asked.
ASITU demanded an immediate halt to the federal government’s ranching initiative in the South East, warning that it could heighten ethnic tensions and deepen feelings of marginalization.
“This ranching program fuels fears of Igbo marginalization in Nigeria. The government must stop prioritizing the business interests of a single ethnic group over others,” the statement concluded.
The union urged the government to develop policies that promote fairness, economic growth, and national unity rather than enacting divisive measures that alienate indigenous populations.
“The South East deserves better. We will resist any policy that seeks to take our land for private interests under any circumstances.”