In a recent statement that has sparked widespread discussion, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing the state’s anti-open grazing law, a measure designed to safeguard local farmers and their lands.

Speaking at a public event, Diri emphasized that no herder would be permitted to enter Bayelsa with cattle for open grazing, underscoring the state’s firm stance on the issue.

This policy, which was first introduced in 2022, reflects Bayelsa’s ongoing efforts to address the long-standing farmer-herder conflicts that have plagued many parts of Nigeria, particularly in agrarian communities.

Governor Diri, who has been in office since 2020 following a Supreme Court decision that overturned the election of his predecessor, has made the enforcement of this law a cornerstone of his administration’s agricultural and security agenda.

The anti-open grazing law aims to mitigate the tensions between farmers and herders, a recurring problem across Nigeria that has often escalated into violence and threatened food security.

In states like Benue and Taraba, similar conflicts have led to significant loss of life and property, prompting southern governors to take decisive action to protect their communities.

The significance of Diri’s statement extends beyond Bayelsa, resonating with a broader movement in southern Nigeria to regulate open grazing.

While some states, such as Ekiti, have also enacted anti-open grazing laws, enforcement remains inconsistent.

For example, recent reports from Ekiti reveal that a local politician has been using farmland as a cattle base, highlighting the challenges of implementing these laws effectively.

Diri’s unwavering commitment has been praised by many, with social media users like Chudé calling for other southern governors to emulate Bayelsa’s courage.

As Nigeria grapples with the complex dynamics of land use and security, Bayelsa’s approach could serve as a model for balancing agricultural protection with conflict prevention in 2025.