National policy and ethnic politics in RUGA policy: Rethinking Inclusive Policy for Sustainable Peace in Nigeria

The occurrence of conflicts between herders and farmers with unexplainable attacks has led to increase insecurity in Nigeria, given reason for fear of ethnic invasion and land grappling. Attempts by government to proffer solutions has not yielded any good result; considering the opposition and outright rejection of proposed policies include: Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) policy, 2018-2027 National Livestock Transformation Plan, Cattle colonies, Grazing routes among others. Out of all policies attempted to proffering solution to herder’s farmers problems in Nigeria, RUGA policy remains a controversial one. The government had designed Ruga to create security for pastoral families and curtail cattle rustling with occurrence of conflicts, as well as provide a palliative as an alternative to peace and security of lives and properties in Nigeria. This study contends that, (RUGA) like other policies are purposed amidst perceived misconception and overwhelming ethnic sentiment. It concludes that there is need for collective responsibility and mutually beneficial inclusive policy which recognizes collective interest for sustainable peace in Nigeria.