Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has said the ban on movement of cattle in any part of the state will take effect from next month, in compliance with the 2021 Anti-open grazing Law.
He dropped the hint at the weekend during a meeting with members of State Cattle Menace Committee held at the Government House, Awka.
Former governor Willie Obiano had assented to the Cattle and Other Livestock Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Bill of Anambra State, joining his counterparts in the other southern states, who had agreed to outlaw the practice.
The directive did not come to be, as herdsmen continued to move about in the state with their cows.
No arrest has ever been announced by the law enforcement agencies in that respect.
But Prof. Soludo at the meeting said his administration would begin implementation of the law by next month.
He said: “Although the law has been in existence since almost one year ago, cattle rearers keep parading certain areas in contravention of the law.”
Hailing members of the committee for their devotion to duty, the governor said although Anambra operated in social harmony, with everyone, including herdsmen, they (herdsmen) must as in other businesses operate within the ambit of extant laws.
“The initiative is geared towards salvaging the Anambra environment from erosion, which is fast depleting the scarce land, informing gradual consideration for implementation of ranching as a modern way of cattle rearing because of its advantages and money-making potential.
“Because this administration launched initiatives to encourage tree planting, there will be no enough land to accommodate open grazing,” he added.