Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has identified the 1999 ECOWAS protocol on cross border grazing as a major root cause of the lingering insecurity in the state. In a detailed conversation, he shared insights into his journey from priesthood to politics, the challenges facing Benue, and the strategic interventions his administration is implementing.
Governor Alia, who has been a priest for nearly 35 years, explained that his work in rural communities gave him deep insight into the challenges ordinary people face. His transition into governance, he noted, was smooth due to his lifelong experience in service and understanding of human psychology.
He stated that insecurity in Benue has taken a serious toll, with 17 out of 23 local government areas currently sheltering displaced persons in camps. The governor attributed the origin of this crisis to the 1999 ECOWAS protocol on cross border grazing, which Nigeria adopted after its initial proposal in 1975. According to him, before 1999, herders moved seasonally without causing major conflict. However, the adaptation of the protocol changed the dynamic drastically, resulting in violent incursions, land grabbing, and mass displacement.
The governor pointed out that the nature of pastoralism in the state has evolved from traditional herding to what he described as a planned and calculated form of attack by foreign mercenaries. These attacks, he explained, are no longer spontaneous but are executed in waves – first by armed aggressors who destabilize local communities, followed by settlers who move in with cattle.
He said, “The 1999 ECOWAS protocol on cross border grazing was not thoroughly considered before implementation. It did not take into account the security implications of open-border transhumance. If the federal government could revisit and possibly reverse the protocol, it would significantly reduce insecurity in Benue and other affected states.”
Governor Alia revealed that over 1.5 million people were displaced before he took office, with at least 500,000 still recorded in camps as of June 2024. His administration, in collaboration with the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has compiled data on the displaced population and is working on a three-part solution: assimilation, relocation, and reintegration of IDPs back to their ancestral lands.
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In terms of development, Governor Alia emphasized the importance of planning, strategy, execution, and monitoring. He proudly noted that his administration now pays civil servants’ salaries by the 23rd of every month, a sharp contrast from previous governments. He added that the change in financial management has earned him the nickname “Mr. 25”.
Despite the challenges, including a ₦359 billion debt inherited from the previous administration, Governor Alia said his government has ensured consistent payment of salaries and pensions. He credited this success to financial discipline and the elimination of mismanagement. “We came in with a new mindset. We pinch the penny, which is something I brought from my time in the church,” he said.
Touching on water and infrastructure, he noted that although his government inherited contracts from the past, they have made efforts to clear outstanding debts and revamp projects like the Otobi/Otukpo and Katsina-Ala Water Works. He described the water reticulation system in Makurdi as poor and confirmed that feasibility studies are ongoing to address the damage.
On the Judiciary, Governor Alia clarified that there is no existing rift, though his administration has had to respond to issues raised by the Chief Judge through the proper legal channels, including the National Judicial Council. He said that under his leadership, judicial and local government autonomy were granted early on, ensuring separation of powers.
Politically, Governor Alia acknowledged internal resistance from some elite groups who benefited from the old system. He believes that the opposition to his reforms is typical of what happens when corruption is challenged. “When newness comes, certain people who were feeding on largesse resist change. But we are focused on serving the people,” he said.
He warned that the 1999 ECOWAS protocol on cross border grazing continues to expose Benue to cross-border attacks due to Nigeria’s porous borders. He confirmed that most aggressors are not indigenous but come from neighboring countries, exploiting unguarded routes into Benue’s communities.
Calling on the federal government, Governor Alia urged a reconsideration of the 1999 ECOWAS protocol on cross border grazing, stressing that while the protocol was originally intended to promote integration and peace, it has instead fueled insecurity, displacement, and land conflicts.
As Benue battles to reclaim stability and security, Governor Alia remains committed to delivering governance rooted in strategy, transparency, and compassion. His appeal is clear: Nigeria must fix its internal security challenges before upholding any external agreements that threaten national peace.
