The Enugu State House of Assembly as earlier reported by JOURNALIST101 has passed the Bill which seeks to prohibit Open Grazing and Regulate Cattle Ranching in the state into law.
The Bill which was sponsored by the leader of the House, Rt Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu among others, seek to “prevent the destruction of farms, farm crops, community ponds, settlements and property by open rearing and grazing of livestock.”
Other objectives of the bill which was sighted by JOURNALIST101 “is to prevent killings, Sexual molestation and clashes between arable farmers and pastoralists, Herders and rustlers.
“Protect the environment from degradation and pollution caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock.
“Optimize the use of land resources in the face of overstretched land and increasing population.
“Prevent, control and manage the spread of animal diseases.
“Create a conducive environment for large scale crop production and reduce incidence of road accidents caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock.”
When signed into the law by the Governor, grazing outside “permitted ranches” becomes an offence.
JOURNALIST101 further gathered that by provision of the law any person or group of persons that disregards the law, upon conviction is “liable to a term of imprisonment of not less than three 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.”
The law also prohibits a minor from grazing, rearing or herding of livestock without the supervision of an adult and going against this provision attracts a fine of N300,000 by the guardian or parent of the minor.
The law provides for the leasing of land by any intending herder from the owners for a period not exceeding three years which will be renewable after expiration.
“Permits shall be issued to a Nigerian who is authorized to conduct business under the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Permits shall be for a period of three (3) years and renewable after expiration, subject to the approval of the land owner and upon the existence of other factors for the initial grant,” section of the law reads.
The law also laid down the procedures to acquire a land to be used for a ranching in the state.
These steps includes:
1. A Herder shall apply in writing to the owner of the land whereupon he intends to site his ranch.
2. The owner(s) after consultation with and the consent of the kindred head, community leaders who must include the town union executive and the traditional ruler of the community, may grant his consent in writing for three years lease of the land and on such terms and conditions as the parties may agree upon.
3. The Herder shall forward a written application for a permit to the Ministry alongside the consent of the owner and the kindred head of the land.
4. The Ministry of Environment shall carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the land applied for.
5. A copy of the report of the EIA shall be forwarded to the owner, the kindred head and the community leaders aforesaid, for considerations and their views thereon to be submitted at a joint meeting convened for that purpose by the Ministry within Thirty (30) days of receipt of the EIA.
6. The ElA report, if found suitable by the land owner, the kindred head and the community leaders, they shall recommend to the Ministry to issue permit to the Herder.
The law also said that any person who contravenes the provisions (1-3) stated above “is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to two (2) years imprisonment or a fine of N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only) or both.”
Watch the images below for more details on the provisions of the law:
