Abuja, Nigeria – Amidst a rancorous session, the Nigerian Senate passed the second reading of a bill to establish the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission on Wednesday. Despite heated debates, the Senators voted in favor of the bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam, representing Benue North West, which aims to control and regulate cattle rearing and ranching business across the country.
Zam emphasized that ranching remains the only viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria. He advocated 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.
However, the bill faced vehement rejection from Northern lawmakers, including opposition members Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), and Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South). They objected to a provision in the bill that specified ranches be established in the “pastoralists’ state of origin” without imposing it on other states or communities lacking pastoralist citizens.
Aliero contended that this provision contradicted Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen’s right to move freely and reside anywhere in the country. He argued that ranching should be viewed as a private business, with minimal government intervention.
Senator Kawu echoed Aliero’s sentiments, asserting that the bill’s restriction of citizens to specific regions was unconstitutional. Although he initially declared they would “fight the bill,” he later withdrew and apologized for the statement after being called to order by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Danjuma Goje warned that the bill could potentially stereotype the Fulani people, who, he argued, do not benefit from government services and should not be confined to particular areas. He emphasized the need for an inclusive approach to ranching that recognizes the presence of Fulanis across various states in Nigeria.
Despite the opposition, the bill garnered support from other Senators. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) supported the bill’s passage but cautioned that the Land Use Act might need revision to ensure state governors’ cooperation in establishing ranches.
Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro suggested that the bill undergo comprehensive public hearings. Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) argued that passing the bill could help resolve the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders.
Senator Zam concluded that the bill would address the violent clashes between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders in Nigeria, advocating for the adoption of international best practices in animal husbandry. He stressed the need to eliminate open grazing, which he described as outdated and hazardous.
Senate President Akpabio assured that the bill would be subjected to public hearings before its final passage, addressing all raised issues. He acknowledged the potential need to amend the Land Use Act and recognized that many state governors might lack the funds to implement ranching.
The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Judiciary and Legal Matters, and Trade and Investment, with a report expected in the next month.
