The bill, titled House Bill No. 3/ANLG/2026, was presented by the Councillor representing Ward 14 and Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Olabiyi Olusola Victor.
The proposed legislation is aimed at reducing clashes between farmers and herders, improving food security, and strengthening community safety through the prohibition of open grazing and restriction of weapons in public spaces.
Speaking at the hearing held at the council secretariat, Akomoje on Monday Hon. Olusola Victor said the initiative became necessary due to recurring conflicts and concerns about safety within rural communities.
“This bill is about protecting lives, farmlands and livelihoods. Our farmers must feel safe to cultivate, and our communities must be free from fear and violence,” he said.
The councillor explained that the bill aligns with existing national laws, including environmental and criminal provisions, while addressing local realities. According to him, the legislation will also promote a gradual transition from open grazing to organised ranching systems.
“Our intention is not to victimise any group but to create a structured, lawful and peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders. “We want a system where livestock owners operate responsibly within recognised settlements.”
He added that the bye-law provides for the registration and recognition of all nomadic herders’ settlements within Abeokuta North saying that the settlement will be approved only after documentation by host communities, traditional leaders and the local government, with yearly renewal requirements.
Hon. Victor stated that all registered herders will be issued identification uniforms with unique numbers to aid monitoring and security. “A task force is also expected to be established to enforce compliance and oversee implementation”.
“Unregulated grazing has contributed to farm destruction and tension in several communities. This law seeks to provide clarity, structure and accountability,” he said.
The Councillor stressed that the bill prohibits the carrying of firearms, cutlasses or other offensive weapons while grazing.
“Reducing the circulation of weapons will significantly lower violence and help restore public confidence in safety within our communities,” he said.
In his remarks, the Leader of the House, Abeokuta North Local Government Hon. Erubami Moruf, described the bill as timely and necessary, particularly for communities in Oke-Ogun where conflicts between farmers and herders have persisted.
“This bill is a good one because it addresses a challenge affecting everyone in our local government, especially in Oke-Ogun where we have been hearing complaints between herders and farmers. “We are trying to curb the problem so it will not continue to affect both parties.”
He added that many farmers have abandoned their farms due to insecurity and repeated conflicts.
“Most of the farmers are running away because of the problems they encounter on their farms. We want a law that will reduce whatever challenges they face and restore confidence in farming,”he stated.
The House Leader assured stakeholders that contributions raised during the public hearing would be incorporated before the bill moves to the next stage.
“After the necessary adjustments raised today, we will fast-track the bill and send it to the executive for the chairman’s assent so it can see the light of day and deliver better results,” he added.
In his address, the Seriki Fulani of Abeokuta and Zonal Chairman of Miyetti Allah South-West, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir Labar commended the local government lawmakers for engaging stakeholders.
He said “ the bill is a welcome development because every society needs laws that bind us together. If we are law-abiding, there will be peace and tranquility wherever we live.
“The government has presented the bill, and it is now left for us to study it and give our input so it will benefit everyone living across the local government.”
The Chairman of the Baales in Abeokuta North, Jelili Adio Oyejide, also expressed support, while urging strict implementation once passed.
“This is a good bill and I am very happy about it. The Seriki must warn the herders, and government must ensure perpetrators are arrested. When government makes laws, they must implement them and never take sides.”
Also Speaking, the Vice Chairman of All Farmers Associations in Abeokuta North, Olawale Owolabi, said compliance remains the major concern.
“This bill will help farmers, but my fear is whether cow rearers will comply. We have held meetings before, yet agreements are often violated,” he noted.
“With the support of Baales and Serikis and proper enforcement through a task force, this law can reduce farmer–herder conflict.”
Owolabi also urged security agencies to remain neutral when disputes are reported.
“When cases are brought to you, treat them fairly and don’t go after money,” he advised security operatives.
Security officials present at the hearing recommended additional measures to strengthen the bill. They called for a geographical study of cattle-rearing settlements and the creation of a dedicated task force to monitor new arrivals in communities.
They also recommended that provisions addressing drug abuse be incorporated into the legislation to further enhance community safety.
Among stakeholders present at the hearing were the Supervisor on Agriculture in Abeokuta North Local Government, Alhaji Taofeek Adedigba; Chief Ahmed Olawale of the Community Development Council (CDC); CSP Owei Sweet of the Nigeria Police; Olawale Adisa Owolabi representing the All Farmers Association; Aishat Lawal of the Department of State Services (DSS), Abeokuta North; and Alhaji Musa Bature, among others.
