ENACTING AN ANTI-OPEN GRAZING LAW in Lagos State, would create atmosphere of peaceful co-existence, among residents in the State. The issue of cattle rearing, especially, as it affects security and other human activities, in Lagos State, needed to be given attention.
At the public hearing of the proposed law, on Wednesday, at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the State House Assembly, said the issues involved with the present ways of cattle rearing and open grazing called for concerted efforts to ensure stability and economic development.
“If there is no security, there will be no peace and development. Farmers/herders clash appears to be the oldest. Both the farmers and herders are critical to food stability”, Obasa stated, through the Deputy Speaker, Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, who represented him at the public hearing.
He further stated that: “Both of them affect our health. Their conflicts lead to insecurity and claim lives and properties. We must engage ourselves to make the right decisions.”
KEHINDE JOSEPH, Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, in his remarks, said the proposed law was meant to ensure peace between herders and farmers in the state. The law will ensure the registration of herders and prohibit cattle roaming in the State.
The law, Joseph said, “Will forestall herders and farmers clashes and redefine social and economic activities in the State. And added that: “Members of cattle breeders association will be sensitized on the new development and we will ensure strict compliance with the law, when it is passed”.
