- The Senate unanimously supported Senator Dickson’s proposal for federal funding to establish modern ranches, aiming to resolve herder-farmer conflicts
- Senator Dickson emphasized the need for structured support in animal husbandry, advocating for coordinated efforts among government and private sectors
The Senate has unanimously endorsed Senator Henry Seriake Dickson’s proposal for the Federal Government to fund and establish modern ranches across the country.
The initiative addresses the recurring clashes between herders and farmers by collaborating with states, local governments, and private businesses.
During the debate, Senator Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, described animal husbandry as a legitimate business requiring structured support.
He emphasized the need for a coordinated approach. He suggested that the Senate Committee on National Security and the Committee on Agriculture work with the newly created Ministry of Livestock and the Ministry of Agriculture to develop a proposal for nationwide ranching.
“Carrying cattle from Sokoto to Bayelsa or Lagos is not sustainable,” Dickson stated. “The Federal Government must intervene by funding safe and commercially viable ranches for herders and local communities.”
The senator reiterated that these efforts should involve partnerships with state and local governments and private businesses interested in investing in ranching.
He cited his experience as Governor of Bayelsa State, where he implemented a similar policy over a decade ago.
Under the Bayelsa initiative, herders were assigned a designated area at Bayelsa Palms, equipped with water sources, veterinary services, a cattle market, and an abattoir.
The police and civil defence provided security, and illegal arms-bearing was strictly prohibited. The policy was later enacted into state law.
Senator Dickson highlighted that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement for people and their property, structured ranching offers a practical solution to the challenges posed by open grazing.
He also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to support the initiative through loan facilities to encourage investment in ranching.
The Senate’s support for this proposal marks a significant step toward addressing the herder-farmer conflicts and promoting sustainable livestock management in Nigeria.