The Ogun State Government has announced March 31, 2025, as the deadline for the registration of all herders operating within the state. The directive, aimed at regulating pastoral activities and curbing insecurity, was issued by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Bolu Owotomo, in Abeokuta on Tuesday.
According to the commissioner, the registration is part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, prevent clashes, and address security concerns linked to unregulated grazing activities. He emphasized that failure to comply with the directive would attract strict penalties, including possible eviction from the state.
Mandatory Registration to Prevent Conflicts
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Owotomo stated that the move was not meant to target any particular group but to enhance security, maintain order, and support sustainable livestock management in Ogun State.
“The government has observed the rising cases of farmer-herder conflicts and security threats caused by unregistered herders operating indiscriminately. To address these challenges, all herders in Ogun State must register with the appropriate authorities before March 31, 2025,” he said.
He added that the registration exercise would help in creating a comprehensive database of herders in the state, allowing the government to monitor their activities and ensure they adhere to established grazing regulations.
Registration Process and Enforcement
The commissioner explained that herders would be required to provide necessary details such as their names, locations, herd sizes, and means of identification during the registration process. The government, he said, would work closely with relevant stakeholders, including local government authorities, traditional rulers, and security agencies, to ensure full compliance.
“The government has set up registration centers across the state where herders can enroll. We have also engaged with community leaders and security agencies to facilitate this process. Any herder who fails to register by the deadline will face consequences, which may include eviction from Ogun State,” he warned.
Stakeholders’ Reactions
The announcement has received mixed reactions from stakeholders. While many farmers and local communities have welcomed the move, describing it as a necessary step to address long-standing conflicts, some herders’ associations have expressed concerns over the implementation process.
The Chairman of the Ogun State Farmers’ Association, Mr. Taiwo Adeniji, praised the government’s decision, stating that unregistered herders have often been linked to cases of farm destruction and insecurity.
“For years, we have suffered from unregulated grazing, which has led to the destruction of our crops and even loss of lives in some instances. If properly implemented, this registration exercise will help in identifying legitimate herders and holding them accountable,” Adeniji said.
On the other hand, a representative of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Garba Bello, called for fairness in the process, urging the government to ensure that herders are not unfairly targeted.
“We support any move that promotes peace and stability, but we urge the Ogun State Government to ensure that this registration exercise is done fairly. Many of our members are willing to comply, but the government should provide adequate support and avoid using security agencies to harass innocent herders,” Bello said.
Government Assures Fairness
In response to these concerns, the Ogun State Government assured herders that the registration exercise is not intended to victimize any group but to enhance security and promote peaceful coexistence.
Commissioner Owotomo reiterated that the government remains committed to a fair and transparent process. “We encourage all herders to take advantage of this opportunity. The registration is free, and there is no reason for anyone to avoid it,” he added.
Conclusion
With the March 31 deadline fast approaching, the Ogun State Government has urged all herders to comply with the directive to avoid any sanctions. Security agencies and traditional rulers have been directed to work together to ensure a smooth and transparent registration process.
As Ogun State continues its efforts to curb insecurity and promote harmony between farmers and herders, all eyes will be on how effectively the registration exercise is carried out and whether it will lead to lasting peace in the region.
