A bill proposing the ban of open grazing and the establishment of ranches passed its second reading in the Senate on Wednesday, following a spirited debate.
The Senate also recommended organizing a national summit and a public hearing to develop a comprehensive solution to the herders-farmers crisis.
The motion for the bill was presented by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North-West, who emphasized in his lead debate that banning open grazing is a legislative remedy for the recurring farmers and herders’ crises. He argued for the adoption of international best practices in animal husbandry, advocating for a shift from the traditional, hazardous methods of livestock keeping to modern, safer practices.
“The bill advocates for the urgent need to transition from traditional livestock-keeping methods to modern methods which are safer and healthier for both the herds and the herders,” stated Senator Zam.
He further elaborated that the bill suggests ranching as the sole viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria.
Key provisions of the bill include:
– Establishing ranches in pastoralists’ states of origin without imposing them on states or communities without pastoralist populations.
– Requiring interested parties in livestock businesses to seek and obtain approvals from their host communities to establish ranches, ensuring peaceful co-existence.
However, the clause proposing the establishment of ranches exclusively in pastoralist states sparked contention. Some lawmakers, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, called for the bill shelved. Despite this opposition, the majority of lawmakers supported the bill during a voice vote.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Trade and Investment, and Legal Services, with a directive to report back within one month.
Source: ChannelsTV