WARRI/Nigeria: Renowned Niger Delta peace and environmental justice advocate, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, has strongly criticized the Delta State Government for the deliberate non-implementation of the Delta State Anti-Open Grazing and Prohibition Law, 2021, describing it as a politically motivated gimmick that has failed the people.
Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, expressed deep concern that nearly four years after the law was enacted, it remains largely unimplemented, leaving farmers and rural dwellers at the mercy of violent herders and worsening insecurity.
“In 2021, the Delta State government took what many considered a bold step by signing the Anti-Open Grazing and Prohibition Law,” Mulade said. “It was seen as a response to the long-standing crisis between herders and farmers. Unfortunately, that move appears to have been more about scoring political points than real governance.”
According to Mulade, the law was intended to reduce violence, protect farmlands, and boost agricultural productivity by regulating livestock movement and prohibiting open grazing, which has been a major source of deadly conflict in southern Nigeria.
“The intent of the law was commendable. Open grazing has led to bloodshed, destruction of livelihoods, and widespread fear. The law was meant to stop this,” he said. “But without implementation, it has become another failed promise. The government’s inaction is putting lives at risk.”
Mulade, who is also the National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), warned that the continued failure to enforce the law could deepen insecurity, promote hunger, escalate farmer-herder clashes, and erode public confidence in government institutions.
“The implications are clear. Farmers’ lands are being destroyed. Crops are lost. People are being kidnapped. Violence is rising. Yet, the government is silent,” he lamented. “There is no political will to act, and that is dangerous.”
He stressed that beyond the immediate threat to lives and livelihoods, the lack of action is undermining Delta State’s long-term economic stability and food security.
“The Anti-Open Grazing Law is not just about security—it’s about economic survival. If farmers can’t produce food, the entire state suffers. Hunger and crime will only get worse,” Mulade warned.
He urged the state government to rise above political sentiments and take decisive action to enforce the law, saying it was the only way to protect communities, restore public confidence, and uphold the rule of law.
“The people of Delta State deserve better. This law should not gather dust in the archives while our people suffer. It is time for the government to act in the interest of the people and not just politics,” he concluded.
