Federal lawmakers were divided on Wednesday as a bill seeking to establish a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission passed second reading in the Senate.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger-Zam from Benue State, proposes ranching as the sole viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria and aims to end herder-farmer clashes nationwide.
However, Northern senators opposed the bill, arguing that it infringes on the constitutional right to freedom of movement by confining pastoralists to their states of origin.
The title “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation, and Control of Ranches throughout Nigeria, and for Connected Purposes, 2024.
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Senator Adamu Aliero opposed the bill, arguing that it violates the constitution by restricting herders movement.
He stated that as Nigerians, they should be allowed to move freely within the country.
Aliero urged that the clause limiting ranches to herders’ states of origin be removed.
Despite efforts by some Northern senators for the bill to be stepped down, it was rejected by the sponsor, Senator Titus Tartenger-Zam, who insists on a vote, which resulted in the bill passing its second reading.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe noted that Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso introduced the bill in the 8th Senate, but it failed to pass.
He emphasized that ending open grazing requires re-examining the law that gives states control over land ownership.
Abaribe stressed that state government consent is crucial for progress on ranching, and the Land Use Act must be addressed to resolve farmer-herder clashes.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe expressed the view that the bill could be a solution to the clashes between farmers and herders if properly managed.
He recommended the amendment of the constitution and the Land Use Act to simplify the management of lands within the respective states.
Former Gombe State Governor, Mohammed Goje, and Senate Committee on Sports Chairman, Suleiman-Kawu, shared concerns that the bill is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
They argued that restricting herders to specific locations violates their constitutional rights and will compound existing problems between herders and farmers
Goje and Kawu emphasized that laws cannot be tailored to a particular group or region, stressing that the bill’s provisions are overly restrictive and detrimental to national unity.
Senator Simon Lalong noted that, aside from the Constitution, the ECOWAS protocol is also a challenge.
He states that it allows for the free movement of businesses and cattle across the region.
He recalled that the National Livestock Scheme was introduced under the former Vice President, but some states refused to implement ranching.
Senator Lalong emphasized the need for caution and a more robust debate, considering the implications for West Africa, lest other countries reject Nigeria’s participation.
However, the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has urged all senators to be calm by letting the bill go for a public hearing.
Akpabio also assured senators that everything possible would be done to reach a consensus on the proposals contained in the bill, including amending the Land Use Act where necessary.
A majority voice vote passed the bill for a second reading. It was referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Trade/Investment, and Legal Services to be reported back within four weeks.
Herders/Farmers Crisis
Senate divided over bill To Ban Open Grazing and Establish Ranches
…… Northern senators say the bill is against the Constitution on the Right of Movement
…… As bill scales second reading
Federal lawmakers were divided on Wednesday as a bill seeking to establish a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission passed second reading in the Senate.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger-Zam from Benue State, proposes ranching as the sole viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria and aims to end herder-farmer clashes nationwide.
However, Northern senators opposed the bill, arguing that it infringes on the constitutional right to freedom of movement by confining pastoralists to their states of origin.
The titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation, and Control of Ranches throughout Nigeria, and for Connected Purposes, 2024.
Senator Adamu Aliero opposed the bill, arguing that it violates the constitution by restricting herders movement.
He stated that as Nigerians, they should be allowed to move freely within the country.
Aliero urged that the clause limiting ranches to herders’ states of origin be removed.
Despite efforts by some Northern senators for the bill to be stepped down, was rejected by the sponsor, Senator Titus Tartenger-Zam, who insists on a vote, which resulted in the bill passing its second reading.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe noted that Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso introduced the bill in the 8th Senate, but it failed to pass.
He emphasized that ending open grazing requires re-examining the law that gives states control over land ownership.
Abaribe stressed that state government consent is crucial for progress on ranching, and the Land Use Act must be addressed to resolve farmer-herder clashes.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe expressed the view that the bill could be a solution to the clashes between farmers and herders if properly managed.
He recommended the amendment of the constitution and the Land Use Act to simplify the management of lands within the respective states.
Former Gombe State Governor, Mohammed Goje, and Senate Committee on Sports Chairman, Suleiman-Kawu, shared concerns that the bill is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
They argued that restricting herders to specific locations violates their constitutional rights and will compound existing problems between herders and farmers
Goje and Kawu emphasized that laws cannot be tailored to a particular group or region, stressing that the bill’s provisions are overly restrictive and detrimental to national unity.
Senator Simon Lalong noted that, aside from the Constitution, the ECOWAS protocol is also a challenge.
He states that it allows for the free movement of businesses and cattle across the region.
He recalled that the National Livestock Scheme was introduced under the former Vice President, but some states refused to implement ranching.
Senator Lalong emphasized the need for caution and a more robust debate, considering the implications for West Africa, lest other countries reject Nigeria’s participation.
However, the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio urged all senators to be calm by letting the bill go for a public hearing.
Akpabio also assured senators that everything possible would be done to reach a consensus on the proposals contained in the bill, including amending the Land Use Act where necessary.
A majority voice vote passed the bill for a second reading. It was referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Trade/Investment, and Legal Services to be reported back within four weeks.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
