In a recent appearance on Arise TV from 14:13, Senator Seriake Dickson expressed concern over the growing presence of cattle on major roads in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja calling it a sign of policy failure and neglect of modern livestock management.
Speaking candidly, Senator Dickson said, “So if you build these ranches, then you build a school for them and you create a way by which cattle is transported. How can cattle be competing with us even in FCT for space? There are times we move around, I’m not talking about Benue now, I’m talking of the Federal Capital Territory here in Abuja and I don’t know how the Minister of FCT is dealing with that.”
The former Bayelsa State governor’s comments have reignited a national conversation on the continued practice of open grazing which has led to traffic obstructions, safety hazards and environmental concerns in both rural and urban areas.
He stressed the need for the federal and state governments to develop a structured system for livestock movement, emphasizing investment in education and infrastructure. “You build a school for them,” he said, suggesting that education and modern ranching methods must go hand-in-hand to address the issue holistically.
Dickson’s remarks come amid widespread complaints from Abuja residents about herds of cattle causing traffic congestion and posing risks to motorists and pedestrians alike.
While the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has yet to respond directly to Dickson’s concerns, the senator’s statement highlights growing frustration with the slow pace of reforms in the nation’s capital and beyond. Stakeholders are now calling for the urgent implementation of ranching and animal transport policies to prevent further disruption in public spaces.
