The Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has set March 31 as the deadline for herders in the state to complete their registration.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kehinde Jokotoye, announced this in a statement on Tuesday in Abeokuta. She said the registration is being done in partnership with the South West Commodity Farmers Organisation, Ogun State Chapter to improve security, settle disputes, and manage livestock better.
Jokotoye explained that the registration will also help herders get government support, including subsidies and incentives, to increase livestock production.
“In addition, the state government has also observed that some private veterinary practitioners and veterinary pharmaceutical outfits are operating illegally in the state,” she said.
She added, “Slaughter slabs, live bird and cattle markets are also operating illegally without appropriate approvals and licensing by the Department of Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.”
The permanent secretary warned those involved in such illegal activities to stop immediately or face legal action under the Animal Disease Control Act of 2022.
Herders were urged to get the necessary government documents to register their businesses and follow state regulations.