The Yobe State Government is to reintroduce ‘livestock tax’ to improve security situation and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the state. The imposition of taxes could mitigate conflicts between the herders and farmers, while tending their cattle and farmlands various communities. While announcing the tax Thursday at an Advocacy and Sensitization meeting in Damaturu, Secretary to the State Government, Baba Mallam Wali disclosed: “Governor Mai Mala Buni has signed an Executive Order No 3 for the introduction of cattle tax in the state.
He said that to sustain peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers; the tax has to be introduce to reduce cattle rustling and communal clashes. According to him, taxes on cattle, camels, donkeys, horses and other livestock will enhance security and IGR. He noted that with the implementation of the Executive Order, a high-powered committee led by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Mairo Ahmed Amshi has been set up. He added that representatives of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are also on the committee to work out the tax rates on livestock. “This committee is to sensitize and bring every member on board on the benefits of livestock taxes,” he said, stating that its implementation could improve the State’s security situation and IGR. While responding, Mairo said that the harness of agriculture, livestock and crop production has contributed to the development of the state.
She said that peaceful coexistence is very important, as the population is increasing, while land is stagnant. She warned that; as land under cultivation and livestock population increases, conflicts between herders and farmers will continue to rise with losses of more lives and property. “Once we have peace in the state, we will now reintroduce and adopt the modalities of imposing livestock taxes effectively to raise more revenues,” she said. Other members of the committee include the Special Adviser on Agriculture, Liaison officer Agriculture, 17 Local Government Council Chairmen, traditional rulers, all heads of Security in the state.
Heads of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Veterinary and Livestock Area Officers and relevant livestock association are members of the livestock tax implementation committee.
