NUJ Delta Decries Non-Enforcement of Anti-Open Grazing Law, Illegal Migration

By Admin 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, has decried the non-enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing Law and illegal migration of persons in Delta State, saying failure to enforce the anti-open grazing legislation poses serious threats to peace and food security in the state.

The NUJ State Council, in a communiqué issued at the end of its Congress meeting held on June 23, 2026, in Asaba, lamented the unhindered breach of the law and the apparent lack of political will to enforce its provisions, which undermines efforts to prevent conflicts between farmers and cattle rearers in the state.

The communiqué was signed by the State Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe; Chairman of the Communiqué Committee, Comrade Andy Emephia; Secretary of the Committee, Comrade Mrs. Chissy Awunor; and Committee Member, Comrade Egufe Yafugborhi, respectively.

The union called on all relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance with the law without fear or favour, stressing that effective enforcement is critical to maintaining public order and protecting agricultural productivity.

The union was also concerned over uncontrolled migration into Delta State, particularly the state capital, by persons of unknown identities and nationalities without proper documentation.

According to the communiqué: "Reluctance on Enforcement of Anti-Open Grazing Law;

"Congress in session frowns at the unhindered violation, with impunity, of the Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Law, 2021, which prohibits open grazing in the state with stipulated penalties.

"The apparent lack of political will to enforce the law undermines peace between farmers and herders and threatens food security. All law enforcement agencies must ensure compliance without fear or favour."

"Unhindered Illegal Migration and Population Pressure:

"Congress raised concern over the uncontrolled influx of migrants of unknown identities and nationalities into the state, particularly the capital city, without proper documentation.

"Most of these elements, with no livelihood, are destitute, wandering about and congesting public spaces in the state, overstretching social amenities and creating security blind spots.

"Congress urges the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the State Security Council to intensify border surveillance, internal migration tracking, and community-based intelligence gathering to stem this anomaly."