On Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate passed a bill proposing the establishment of the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for a second reading after a heated debate during the plenary session.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam (APC, Benue North West), aims to address and resolve the ongoing herder-farmer clashes in the country. Senator Zam urged his colleagues to support the bill, stating, “The proposed National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission is for the management, preservation, and control of ranches throughout Nigeria.”
Despite Senator Zam’s appeal, the bill faced strong opposition from Senators Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central). Both former governors argued that cattle rearing and ranching are predominantly northern activities, suggesting that national legislation should benefit the entire country, not just one region. Senator Goje specifically noted that cattle routes traditionally span from the far north to Lokoja, without extending to the southern parts of the country.
Senator Hussein Babangida Uba (Jigawa North-West) also expressed caution regarding the bill, citing its controversial history.
However, several other senators supported the bill, emphasizing the potential benefits of a commission dedicated to managing and mitigating the farmers-herders crisis across Nigeria.
Following a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the bill was passed and referred to the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Judiciary, and Legal Matters. The committees must review the bill and report to the Senate within four weeks.
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