The Federal Government on Tuesday said it would commence the Pulaku Initiative, a large-scale resettlement programme to address the causes of clashes between farmers and herders in various flashpoints nationwide.
Pulaku also called the “Fulani code of conduct,” is an integral cultural and ethical value system specific to the Fulanis.
The programme will initially focus on seven states affected by farmers-herders conflicts.
They are, “Sokoto, Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kaduna State,” a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications to the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, confirmed Tuesday.
The statement is titled ‘Pulaku Initiative set for kick-off as VP Shettima inaugurates implementation committee.’
Tuesday’s announcement comes eight months after Vice President Kashim Shettima announced plans by the Tinubu administration to “unveil an initiative to address insurgency and poverty, among other challenges confronting Nigerians, especially those living in the northern region.”
While on condolence visits to the families of Galadanci and Mangal in Kano and Katsina, respectively, on July 16, 2023, Shettima told journalists that military offensives alone could not sustainably resolve the security crisis in Nigeria’s Northwest. Instead, it would take kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to restore calm in the troubled region.
“Unless we want to engage in an endless war of attrition, there cannot be a military solution to the crisis in the northwest. There has to be a kinetic and non-kinetic solution,” he stated.
About eight months later, the VP inaugurated a steering committee to coordinate the implementation of the initiative.
Speaking at the inauguration of the implementation committee at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the VP explained, “The selection of these states is a deliberate and strategic approach. The aim is to generate ripple effects that will not only revitalize communities but also lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and cohesive Nigeria.”
He said the FG would revitalise conflict-torn communities by constructing residences, roads, schools, and essential facilities.
Therefore, the VP maintained that the project must be seen as an emergency to tackle a challenge that has threatened the fabric of Nigeria.
“It serves as a testament to the fulfillment of the promises made by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The aim is to create an environment where the prosperity of our people is not just a distant dream but a tangible and achievable reality.
“This comprehensive approach reflects our dedication to fostering sustainable development and improving the lives of all citizens,” Shettima assured.
He assured citizens that the initiative will address “a challenge that has persisted across various generations and demands our collective resolve, our optimum sense of justice, and unconditional compassion.”
“This is not merely a response; it is a call to action. We are here because each of our programmes or policies will falter unless we get to the root of the dysfunctions we have inherited,” he added.
He described the Pulaku resettlement as “a national commitment to confront a threat that has fuelled distrust and conflicts within communities and across the boundaries of our federation.
“This non-kinetic solution is not designed to compensate any particular group or region. Therefore, we must cast aside any notion of divisive regionalism and see the Pulaku initiative for what it truly is—a practical response to a shared challenge.”
The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, who spoke to journalists afterwards, announced the launch date saying, “This programme will certainly start in the next two weeks from the meeting. Houses will be built. Schools will be built. Hospitals will be built and there will be support for those affected by insecurity.”
On his part, the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, told State House Correspondents that he expects tactical support for farmers in his state alongside reducing farmers-herders clashes.
He said, “Our farmers would be very highly assisted. This is one way of assuring them of the security apparatus that the federal government is putting in place.
“We have relative peace now, but remember that this insecurity is onion-layered. But if we move into full investment in agriculture, as this programme is intended to do, that’s going to curtail…the insecurities we’ve been experiencing. Those who have been displaced are also going to have their own abode.”
The committee chaired by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, also has representatives of governors of the benefiting states as members. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; representatives of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, BUA Group, Dangote Group and the Director General of NEMA are also members of the committee.
Also present at the meeting were representatives from several Nigerian states and institutions, including Governors Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Sen. Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Mohammed Bago of Niger State, Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Dikko Radah of Katsina State and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State.
Others are the Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede; Director-General of NEMA, Ahmed Habib; Director-General of the BPP, Mr Mamman Ahmadu, and representatives from Dangote Group, BUA Group, and Shelter Afrique.
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