Kogi LG boss signs bills to regulate open grazing, land management.

By Richard Elesho/Kogi

As part of efforts to enhance security in his domain, the chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Ademola Bello has signed Bill to regulate Open Grazing as well as Bill on Land Allocation and Management in the council area into law.

He assented to the two bills on Thursday as passed by the Legislative Council.

The development is expected to help in curbing herders and farmers clashes and strengthen safety in the area.

The two bills are; The Mopamuro Local Government Area Agricultural Produce Protection And Herders Liability Bill and Mopamuro Local Government Area Land Allocation and Management bill.

Speaking on the two bills, the Council Chairman said, “The Agricultural Produce and Headers Liability Bill limits grazing hours to between 6am to 5pm daily. Strict compliance is highly expected to avoid penalty. Any herder that contravene any section of the law shall be liable to a fine of N1 million and commensurate compensation to the farmers.

“While the Land Allocation and Management Law places emphasis on land owners within Mopamuro communities to keep them clean to avoid revocation as there shall be periodic inspection by the appropriate body to this effect. Leaving undeveloped lands bushy constitutes nuisances, security, and environmental threats to the communities.”

Ademola Bello immediately set up a task force to effect compliance to the two laws.

He assured residents of the area that his government would do everything within the law to protect them.

The Chairman also commended the Legislative Council under Rt. Hon Mercy Olupeka for the patriotic zeal put into play during the consideration and passage of the two bills.