By Aderoju Israel
The clashes between farmers and herders in some parts of Nigeria, caused by open grazing, remain alarming as lives and properties continue to be on the line.
To address the conflict, 17 governors under the Southern Governors Forum, at a meeting held in Lagos on July 5, in one voice, resolved that all states in the region should enact anti-open grazing legislations latest by September 1.
In this piece, BlackBox Nigeria takes a look at states that have passed the anti-open grazing law.
Ekiti State
In 2016, former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, signed the anti-open grazing bill into law.
The law which was entitled, ‘Prohibition of Cattle and Other Ruminants Grazing Law 2016″ prohibits herdsmen from carrying firearms and other offensive weapons, saying culprits shall be charged with terrorism.
Benue State
Governor Samuel Ortom signed the anti-open grazing bill into law in 2017 amid constant, violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the state.
Ortom had said the anti-grazing law would put to an end to incessant conflict in Benue.
Bayelsa State
Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Wednesday, March 10, signed into law the anti open grazing of livestock in the state.
Diri assented to the bill at the Government House, Yenagoa, shortly after passage by the 24-member House of Assembly.
He said the essence of the law was to ensure harmonious living between cattle dealers and other inhabitants of the state and to forestall the violent clashes being experienced in other parts of the country.
Oyo State
The anti-open grazing bill has received assent by Governor Seyi Makinde and is operational.
According to the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Muhammed Fadeyi, the law has been operational in the state since 2019.
Ondo State
On Tuesday, August 30, Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, signed the anti-open grazing bill into law
Akeredolu’s move came three months after the bill passed the third reading in the State House of Assembly amidst opposition from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
Rivers State
Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, August 19, signed the Anti-Open Grazing bill and four other bills into law.
Wike said, “It is no longer a story. All of us know what our people have suffered in terms of this open grazing. Today all Nigerians have come to accept the reality that open grazing is no longer fashionable. Even our brothers in the north have agreed that it is no longer fashionable.”
Enugu State
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Thursday, September 14, signed the anti-open grazing bill into law, at the Government House, Enugu.
The bill, earlier passed by the State of House Assembly, was cited the “Prohibition of Open Grazing and Cattle Ranching Law of Enugu State” after the governor’s assent.
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, on Wednesday, September 15, signed into law a bill that prohibits open grazing of cattle in the state.
After assenting to the bill, the governor said the new law is a no respecter of persons, irrespective of status.
Note: In some states, the law already exists or has been passed by the state assembly but awaiting their governors’ assent.
