PUBLIC HEARING: STAKEHOLDERS SUPPORT LAGOS ASSEMBLY ON ANTI-OPEN GRAZING BILL
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Stakeholders at the Public Hearing held on a bill for a law to prohibit open cattle grazing in Lagos State, the trespass of cattle on land and for other connected purposes supports the rudiments of the proposed Bill.
Welcoming the stakeholders to the event, Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Kehinde Joseph stated that the bill under consideration will harmonise the relationship between herders, farmers, and the people creating peaceful coexistence in the State.
He added that the bill also makes provision for the registration of herders and prepares them for ranching, condemn cattle roaming to prevent accidents and advocate stiffer penalties for herders carrying firearms.
Hon. Kehinde enjoined participants to contribute meaningfully to the proposed legislation as their contributions would be considered to form the bedrock of passing the Bill into Law.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, ably represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasi Eshinlokun-Sanni, in his keynote address, stated that the Bill seeks to address the ravaging malaise of insecurity in the Southwest, having considered the nature and dynamics of the conflicting activities of both farmers and herders.
He maintained that, “The Bill in entirety is well drafted and targeted at dousing the tension emanating from the activities of herders, thereby stimulating and introducing a world class practical that will ensure competitive productivity in the sector and initiate regulations that will attract more investment.”
Giving the general overview of the bill, Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, explained that the proposed bill with 21sections has a detailed intendment of the Bill, proposing 21years jail term for herders in possession of firearms; approval for enclosed grazing; establishment and control of cattle pounds; establishment of taskforce on cattle trespass; impounding of cattle; receipts to be issued by owners and penalty for forcibly opposing the seizure of cattle.
Other sections of the bill lists: regulations; reductions of fines and costs; procedure when owner claims the cattle and pays fines and costs as well as procedure when owner refuses or omits to pay the fines and costs among others.
Stakeholders took turns at the hearing to present their memoranda and other constructive contributions.
Contributing, Dr. Kemi Joseph, Chairman, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Lagos Chapter submitted that a requisite qualification personnel, registered with relevant professional bodies and private farm keepers be included in the establishment of cattle pounds.
She added that the April 4th of every year, which is World Animal Control Day, be recognized in the bill as well as proper definition for pet doctors and control of stray animals.
Secretary, Zonal Southwest Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Usman implore the House to emphasise on giving the association time to train herders on enclosed grazing as well as financial support for herders to engage in cattle pound.
He further stated that the Chairmen and High Chiefs (Baales) of each local government should have harmonious relationships with the breeders and ensure that breeders register their herds.
Alhaji Mustapha Ibrahim, President of Sheep and Goat Association expressed that most of the concerns of the association have been addressed in the bill and urged the State government to subsidize farm produce.
In response to the stakeholders’ inputs, Hon. Wasi Eshinlokun-Sanni assured them that their inputs and contributions will be added to the recommendations of the Committee.