12 states yet to comply with Southern governors’ open grazing ban as deadline expires Tuesday

Uche EmmanuelAugust 29, 2021

0 17 minutes read

About twelve (12) states are yet to comply ahead of the Tuesday expiration of the deadline for all the 17 southern states to enact laws banning open grazing of cattle in the region.

Recall that the 17 governors of the southern states had, in a meeting held in Lagos on July 5, 2021, urged all the states in the region to ensure that the legislation against open grazing of cattle is put in place on or before September 1.

The decision came after individual attempts to address the menace of open grazing in southern states failed as the governors under the Forum of Southern Governors, in one voice, announced a ban on loose cattle in all the 17 southern states.

They recommended that the Federal Government should support willing states to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems.

The governors also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to, as a matter of urgency and importance, address Nigerians on the frightening state of insecurity across the nation and convoke a national dialogue.

In a resolution after the meeting, the forum explained the rationale for the ban on open grazing, stressing, “Development and population growth has put pressure on available land and increased the prospects of conflict between migrating herders and local populations in the South.

Given this scenario, it becomes imperative to enforce the ban on open grazing in the South, including cattle movement to the South by foot.”

The governors collectively identified the incursion of armed herders, criminals and bandits into the southern part of the country as being at the root of the “severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives in the region”.

In a 12-point communiqué read by the Forum’s Chairman, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, at the end of its four hours meeting, the southern governors expressed displeasure with the worsening state of insecurity and noted that the situation revolves around agitations over restructuring, but affirmed that the peoples of southern Nigeria remain committed to the unity of Nigeria.

Newsflash Nigeria understands that only five states namely Bayelsa, Rivers, Oyo, Ekiti and Abia have complied with the decision.

In eight others, the authorities are at various stages of complying.

Whereas in Ondo, Osun, Ogun and Lagos states, the Houses of Assembly have passed relevant laws awaiting governors’ assent, in Enugu, Imo, Akwa Ibom and Delta, the law is still in the works in parliament.

It was gathered that there is nothing on the ground to indicate that anti-open grazing law is underway in Cross River, Ebonyi and Anambra states.

SOUTH WEST REGION

Only two states in the South-West region, Ekiti and Oyo, have enacted laws prohibiting open grazing in compliance with the southern governors’ resolution to put regulations in place by September

1. EKITI STATE:

Anti-open grazing law in force

The Coordinator, Ekiti State Anti-Open grazing Agency, Major Tajudeen Awe, said the state anti-grazing law was signed into law by former Governor Ayodele Fayose in 2016.

The law is entitled, ‘Prohibition of Cattle and Other Ruminants Grazing Law 2016″.

One of the key provisions provides: “No person shall cause or permit any cattle or other ruminants belonging to him or under his control to graze on any land in which the Governor has not designated as ranches”.

Another says: “The Governor shall by an order designate land in each Local Government in respect of which cattle or other ruminants may be permitted to graze.

“No cattle or other ruminants shall move or graze at night.

“Cattle movement and grazing are restricted to the hours between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.

“No cattle or other ruminants shall graze on any land in which the Governor has not designated as ranches”.

The law prohibits herdsmen from carrying firearms and other offensive weapons, saying culprits shall be charged with terrorism.

Anyone who contravenes Section 6 of the law is liable on conviction to imprisonments for a period not less than six months without the option of a fine.

Awe expressed the readiness of the agency to implement the law and bring culprits to book.

2. OYO STATE:

Red card for open grazing

In Oyo State, the anti-open grazing bill has received assent by Governor Seyi Makinde and is operational.

The Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr Muhammed Fadeyi, said the law became operational in the state since 2019.

Fadeyi said: “So for us in Oyo State, open rearing and grazing is prohibited in the state, if you do it the laws are there to arrest you or the enforcers of the law are there to arrest you.

“So in Oyo, it has been fully operational since last year.

“We have genuine herdsmen in many parts of the state especially Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa and these people have lived all their lives there.

“Some of them don’t even know where they came from.

“We know some of them who are genuine and what we have been able to do is that the law provides for registration at the local government level for identification so that we can separate them from invaders and the role of traditional rulers and community leaders cannot be overemphasized in the law itself because each community knows who is who and it was agreed that community leaders should take responsibility aside the police and other security outfits.

“Part of the law allows for ranching. What you need to do is go to the Ministry of Agric and get a land or permit so that you can put your animals within a confined environment where they will not be roaming around and if you need to move them you need permit to do so by transportation and not by going through the bush path.

“The creation of Amotekun is a follow-up to the open rearing regulation law in Oyo State because what we felt was that Amotekun should be in a better position to curtail the movement of these people”

3. OSUN STATE:

No assent to passed anti-grazing bill

Osun State House of Assembly penultimate Thursday passed the bill against open grazing.

The bill, which is yet to be assented to by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, is titled, ‘Bill to Regulate Animal Grazing and Establishment of Cattle Ranches and Other Related Matters’.

According to the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, the law will prevent the destruction of farms, crops by open rearing and grazing of livestock.

Once the bill is passed, Owoeye said it will prevent killings, sexual molestation, protect the environment from degradation and pollution caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock.

The bill states that any herdsman or group of a herdsman who grazes herd or rear cattle or livestock outside permitted ranches after the commencement of this bill shall be guilty of an offence.

Part of the bill reads, “Any person or group who contravenes the provisions of sections 3(1) and (2) of this shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to terms of imprisonment of not less than 3 years without the option of fine as well as forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his or her control to the state Government.

“A minor is prohibited from grazing, rearing or herding of livestock except under the supervision of an adult.

“A minor who contravenes the provision of Section 3 (4) committed an offence, and the guardian or parent of the minor or owner of the livestock as the case may be, shall be vicariously liable on conviction to a fine of N300, 000 only.

“Permits shall only be issued to a Nigerian who is authorized to conduct business under the Bill of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Preference shall be given in the issuance of ranching permits to those within or near a district who are landowners interested in the livestock business.

“Any herdsman or pastoralist who attacks or threatens to track any farmer, person or commuter whether or not the injury is occasioned by the attack shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than one year without an option of fine.

“Conveyance of livestock on foot from one destination to another in the State is prohibited, except such movement is by Rail Wagon or Truck or pick-up wagon and is within 7:00 am, to 6:00 pm”

4. OGUN STATE:

Bill on governor’s table

In Ogun, the state House of Assembly has passed the bill to regulate animal grazing and the establishment of cattle ranches in designated grazing areas in the state and is awaiting Governor Dapo Abiodun’s assent.

A section of the bill prescribes a three-year jail term without the option of fine and including the forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his/her control to the state government except within the permitted ranches.

Banning open grazing of cattle, the bill gives room for the establishment of ranches.

The bill was sponsored by Hon. Ganiyu Oyedeji representing Ifo II State Constituency.

He presented a report of the Committee on Agriculture and Forestry during the plenary after which he moved the motion for the adoption of the report and seconded by Sola Adams (Ijebu East) and supported by the whole House.

5. ONDO STATE:

All eyes on Akeredolu

A report from Ondo State said the 26-member state House of Assembly passed the bill into law on July 9 after going through public hearings and other legislative procedures.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Gbenga Omole said that immediately the lawmakers received the bill from the executive, they started work on it.

Omole said, “A bill to that effect was sent to the House by the Executive.

“A public hearing has been held on it. It was sent to the committee and the bill has been passed after all the procedures were duly followed.

“The bill will become operational in the state after it is signed into law by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu”.

On his part, the Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Hon Taofeek Oladele, said the Bill to Regulate Security, Rearing and Grazing of Livestock and Establishment of Ranches will prevent the destruction of farm crops in the state.

Oladele added that it will also address clashes between herders and farmers, enhance the growth of livestock farming, prevent control and manage the spread of diseases and as well encourage modern techniques of animal husbandry.

Meanwhile, findings show that the bill after it was passed into law was forwarded to the Executive.

The governor thereafter forwarded the same to the Justice Ministry for legal inputs.

Sources said that the bill is still undergoing legal scrutiny hence the delay in signing it by the governor.

6. LAGOS STATE:

State govt preparing bill

It was learnt that the Lagos State government was still preparing the bill to be sent to the House of Assembly.

SOUTH-SOUTH REGION

Only two states in the South-South region, Bayelsa and Rivers, have enacted laws prohibiting open grazing in compliance with the southern governors’ resolution to put regulations in place by September 1.

While lawmakers are still working on bills before Akwa Ibom and Delta Houses of Assembly with the indication that the states would meet the September 1 cutoff date, there is no bill forwarded to both Edo and Cross River Houses of Assembly by their governors.

7. BAYELSA STATE:

Gun-toting herdsmen will face the music – Diri

Bayelsa, which took lead among South-South states, enacted a law prohibiting open grazing of livestock in the state on March 10.

Governor Douye Diri assented to the Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Law 2021, precisely March 10, shortly after the 24 member House of Assembly passed the bill the same day.

Prohibits open grazing of livestock and other excesses of herders, and considers cattle rustling a punishable offence, among others, the anti-open grazing law will establish a committee that will be responsible for the registration and issuance of permits for livestock breeding; designate areas for such breeding activities; establish inspection posts for cows and other livestock coming into the state, the bill seeks to prevent a situation where one person’s business will jeopardize that of another person.

The law prohibits the movement of cattle on foot from other parts of the country into the state while providing for the inspection of livestock and certification by veterinary doctors at entry points into the state among others.

Signing the bill into law, Governor Diri said: “Bayelsa welcomes all and sundry to eke out a living legitimately. The people of Bayelsa want to have a mutual and harmonious relationship with non-natives and natives.”

“The essence of the law is to avert and forestall any clash between herdsmen, farmers, natives and non-natives as experienced in some states.”

The law, according to the governor, stipulates that any herdsman found with arms, whether licensed or not, should be arrested. He informed that the law also established a livestock management committee to regulate livestock activities in Bayelsa.

8. RIVERS STATE:

Open grazing outdated – Wike

In Rivers, Governor Nyesom Wike, penultimate Thursday, signed into law the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition, 2021.

The bill had been passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Speaking on the Open Rearing and Grazing Prohibition law, No.5 of 2021, Wike said it was inimical to development and peace for any state to condone open grazing of cattle.

He asserted that the law, which has specified ranching, is so intended in order to stem clash between herdsmen who destroy farmland, crops, and having problems with farmers that lead to fighting and killing of themselves.

9. CROSS RIVER STATE:

No anti-open grazing bill before House

In Cross River State, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eteng Williams, who maintained that there was no anti-open grazing bill before the House.

He also said there was no likelihood or plan in the near future to initiate a law on the matter.

A source in the state Ministry of Agriculture, Calabar also stated that there was no urgent need to table one before the Assembly at the moment.

“The communal relationship between herdsmen and our people is cordial and our governor was not even in the meetings where those decisions were taken by southern governors, so there is no immediate plan to pass a law to stop open grazing in the state”, he said.

However, there are reports in the northern part of the state of invasion of farmland by herders and incidents of attacks on natives by herdsmen.

10. AKWA IBOM STATE:

‘Sept. 1 deadline will be met’

The anti-open grazing bill in Akwa Ibom House of Assembly is pending at the legislature at the time of this report, but member representing Etinan State Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon. Aniefiok Dennis Akpan gave assurance that the House would pass it before the September 1 deadline.

Akpan noted that it would not be a problem for them to meet the deadline, as the House had had the situation in the past where they had to take the second and third readings of bills during one plenary.

11. DELTA STATE:

Work in progress

The bill to prohibit open grazing in Delta State passed second reading on the floor of the House of Assembly some weeks back.

Christened ‘Delta State Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation’, the bill is sponsored by the member representing Ughelli South Constituency in the House, Hon. Reuben Izeze and 24 others.

It was overwhelmingly welcomed on the floor of the House and referred to the House Joint Committee on Special bills and Agriculture by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

Meanwhile, Section 8 (2a) of the draft bill recommends 5,000 square meters as designated areas, while Section 8(b) to (g) recommends an abattoir, veterinary clinic, livestock market, administrative office and security post.

But the Delta State Chapter of the Association of Livestock Dealers argued that the 5,000 square meters would be inadequate and asked that a minimum of 30,000 square meters of land be provided in each of the 25 local government areas of the state.

Chairman of the committee, Princess Pat Ajudua, said the public hearing was to get inputs from stakeholders.

12. EDO STATE:

You will hear from us

In Edo, the state government was yet to present to the House of Assembly any bill to ban open grazing and there is no private member bill to that effect.

However, the state government has created a new Department of Animal Husbandry in the Ministry of Agricultural and Natural Resources.

A top government official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “The state government is working on the issue. Very soon, you will hear from us”

It was informed that Governor Godwin Obaseki verbally spoke against open grazing, but checks at the House of Assembly showed that he sent no such bill.

SOUTH EAST REGION

Of the five states in the South-East, only Abia has put the law in place, according to the investigation.

In Enugu State, the bill to enact the law has just passed the second reading in the House of Assembly.

Anambra and Ebonyi seem not to be keen on the law.

Whereas Anambra claims it has a standing compensation arrangement for farmers and herders in case of destruction by either side, there is no bill in Ebonyi State House of Assembly to suggest that anti-open grazing law is underway in the state.

A report from Imo said the state House Assembly has commenced work on anti-open grazing law but explained that the bill is still at the first reading stage.

Meanwhile suspected herdsmen attacks have continued unabated in the region.

13. ABIA STATE:

In Abia, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu had signed into law the state’s in 2018

Abia State said it already has a law in place against open grazing, but that the law enforcement agencies, particularly the police have been reluctant to enforce it

The paramount traditional ruler of Abriba Ancient Kingdom, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, Enachioken Abiriba, has expressed worry over the reluctance of South-East governors to enforce the ban on open grazing, saying it shows the level of disconnect between leaders and the led.

According to him, if leaders actually feel the pains of the led, they would hastily take action to protect their interest.

His words: “It shows the level of disconnect between the leaders and the citizens. If you live among the people and see the anguish of a mother who returns home from the farm daily crying for the destruction of her farm, you will not hesitate to enact the laws banning open grazing in your state.

“If you ever go to farms where cassava is uprooted on daily basis to feed the cows, you will never hesitate. If you have ever seen your mother return home from the farm crying, not because her farm has been destroyed by the herdsmen, but because she has just been raped by an unknown herdsman, then, you will never hesitate to do the needful.

“Some of the governors are not in touch with reality in the Igbo nation. Some of them are political stooges of the Fulani oligarchy in Nigeria. They are in Igbo land serving not the interest of the people but the interest of their masters.

“Also, the 2023 presidency is another factor. Some of the governors who are nursing the ambition of running for the election do not want to cross and alienate any part of the country now. For them, it will be too dangerous to pick such fight at this stage. At the detriment of their people; is this not insensitivity?

“However, we cannot be too quick to condemn all of them yet. At least, I am aware that Abia State has a law. This law has been in existence before the call by the southern states. In truth, the law enforcement agencies have disappointed us in this regard. Finally, it is all about the political will”.

In his contribution, the Co-Chair of Interfaith Peace and Dialogue Forum, Bishop Sunday Onuoha called on the South-East governors to quickly “meet and identify the peculiarity of each state”.

The former Presidential Assistant on Privatization expressed concern that farmers in the region have continued to suffer heavy losses from the activities of herdsmen while no intervention seems to be coming from the government. He urged the necessary stakeholders to quickly address the menace.

14. ANAMBRA STATE:

Law stepped down

Although Anambra State House of Assembly made attempt to pass a law against open grazing, the law was later stepped down.

The position of the state government is that it has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ under which erring farmers and herders are expected to pay compensation in case of destruction of lives and property, and there is a joint task force for enforcement.

However, some residents said, faulted the said agreement, arguing that it was wrong to equate human lives with cattle.

Mr Adimora Nnalue, a community leader in Omor, Ayamelum local government area of the state, said there was no justification for the Anambra government not to have a law banning open grazing in view of the enormous destruction suspected herdsmen have caused in the state, particularly in Omambala area.

Nnalue said: “For years we have suffered so much in the hands of herdsmen who grazed openly on our farms and raped our women.

“Although we devised means of protecting ourselves from the herdsmen, we expected the state government to enact a law that would make it an offence for people to allow their cows to enter into farms and destroy crops.

“We were happy when a bill was introduced in the state House of Assembly on the matter, but our people were disappointed on hearing that the bill was stepped down.

“The stepping down of the bill gave herdsmen the impetus to increase the tempo of their destruction of crops on our farms.

“We also thought that the mandate given by the southern governors for such a law to be promulgated in all states of the South would have made Anambra lawmakers to step up the fight against open grazing, but nothing seems to be happening.”

Although there was a drop in the rate of marauding of cattle in Anambra forests some months ago, the sight of cattle in many communities has become common in recent times.

Chief Emmanuel Okeke resident in Awka said the reason for the re-emergence of cows on Anambra roads was because herdsmen felt that the government was protecting them, and they may be right.

The paramount traditional ruler of Abriba Kingdom, Eze Kalu Kalu Ogbu, Enachioken Abiriba, expressed worry over the reluctance of South-East governors to outlaw open grazing, saying that shows the level of disconnect between leaders and the led.

According to him, if leaders actually feel the pains of the people, they would hastily take action to protect their interests.

15. ENUGU STATE:

Debate on

In Enugu, the state House of Assembly has begun debate on a bill to ban open-grazing of animals in the state.

The leader of the House, Mr. Ikechukwu Ezugwu, introduced the Executive Bill for first reading on August 10, 2021.

Ezugwu told members that the bill seeks to regulate cattle ranching and to secure lives and property in Enugu.

The anti-open grazing bill has been slated for public hearing.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Edward Ubosi, directed the House Joint Committees on Agriculture, Judiciary and Security to conduct a public hearing on the open grazing bill.

According to Ubosi, the passage of the bill will give farmers the confidence to go back to their farms.

Leading debate on the bill, Ezeugwu argued that government couldn’t pretend to be ignorant of clashes between farmers and herders which, he said, have resulted in the destruction of lives and properties in the state.

The House Leader noted that security of lives and properties were the primary responsibility of the government and said that the bill will ban the rearing of cattle in Enugu on foot. He explained that it would also be an offense for an underage child to rear cattle during school hours.

According to the lawmaker, anybody interested in rearing cattle should get land, and set up a cattle ranching, emphasizing that the era of open grazing was over in Enugu.

16. IMO STATE:

Bill at the first reading stage

In Imo, the House of Assembly said it has commenced debate on its anti-open grazing bill.

A spokesperson for the House, Hon. Johnson Duru, representing Ideato State Constituency, confirmed this in Owerri.

Duru said the bill was at the first reading stage. He assured that the process would be actualized on time considering the importance of the bill to the members of the public.

17. EBONYI STATE:

No bill here

In Ebonyi, there is no sign that the state government wants to enact anti-open grazing law.

This was confirmed by the lawmaker representing Ivo State Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Oliver Osi, who said that no bill has been forwarded to the legislature in that regard.

Herdsmen are seen on foot with their cows grazing in different parts of the state, apart from Afikpo North Local Government Area where the people came up with a law banning open grazing and killing of cows.

According to the people, if you must eat beef, kill the cow outside the LGA and then bring in the meat for consumption.

Osi, however, said the House was still expectant that an executive bill banning open grazing would soon be sent to the House for consideration.

“For now, no law has been forwarded to the House in that regard, but we are still expectant”, the lawmaker said.

A youth activist and former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing,

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, on his part, urged the governors of the South-East to show greater commitment in the implementation of the ban on open grazing of cattle in the region.

Isiguzoro, however, alleged attempts by the Federal Government to intimidate and frustrate governors from implementing the ban of open grazing of cattle in the region.

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