Delta State’s enactment of the Livestock, Rearing, and Marketing Regulation Law 2021 was intended to address the longstanding issue of open grazing. However, the glaring absence of effective enforcement has rendered the law virtually toothless, allowing herders to continue flouting its provisions with impunity.
Despite the clear stipulations of the law, such as the prohibition of livestock movement on foot and the requirement for transportation by vehicle during specified hours, the state has failed to establish a robust mechanism for monitoring compliance. As a result, herders persist in openly grazing their cattle within communities, disregarding the established regulations.
Moreover, the penalties outlined in the legislation for non-compliance are insufficient to deter offenders. A mere fine of N300,000 or six months’ imprisonment for a first offence, and N500,000 or one year’s imprisonment for subsequent offences, falls short of conveying the seriousness of the violation. Furthermore, the provision for impoundment of livestock lacks teeth, as the imposed fine of N100,000 per animal pales in comparison to the potential profits derived from illegal grazing practices.
The failure of the Delta State government to establish a dedicated task force tasked with enforcing the anti-open grazing law raises questions about its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the interests of its citizens. Without adequate enforcement measures in place, the law remains little more than a symbolic gesture, incapable of effecting meaningful change on the ground.
In light of these shortcomings, it is imperative that the Delta State government takes immediate and decisive action to bolster enforcement efforts. This may involve the allocation of resources to establish a specialized task force, equipped with the necessary authority and resources to monitor compliance and mete out appropriate penalties to violators.
Until such measures are implemented, the specter of open grazing will continue to loom large over Delta State, posing a threat to the livelihoods and safety of its residents. The time for rhetoric and empty promises has passed; what is needed now is tangible action to enforce the anti-open grazing law and restore the rule of law in the state.
