In a contentious session on Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate passed the second reading of a bill to establish the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission. The bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam of Benue North West, aims to regulate cattle rearing and ranching across the nation.
Senator Zam argued that ranching is the only viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria and emphasized the need to transition from traditional livestock methods to modern, safer practices for both herds and herders.
The bill faced strong opposition from Northern lawmakers, including Senators Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), and Kawu Sumaila (Kano South). They criticized a provision that requires ranches to be established in pastoralists’ states of origin, arguing that it violates Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement and residence within the country.
Senator Aliero contended that ranching should be a private enterprise without government involvement. Senator Kawu described the bill as unconstitutional and initially vowed to “fight the bill,” a statement he later retracted and apologized for after being called to order by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Senator Goje warned that the bill could stereotype the Fulani people, who do not typically benefit from government services, and urged colleagues to approach the issue with good faith. He highlighted that Fulani people are spread across various states and integrate into local communities.
Despite the opposition, several Senators supported the bill. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) advocated for a review of the Land Use Act to accommodate the creation of ranches, noting that state governors might oppose ranch establishment without legislative amendments.
Senator Abba Moro, the Minority Leader, called for comprehensive public hearings on the bill. Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) argued that the bill would help resolve conflicts between farmers and herders.
In his initial debate, Senator Zam stated that the bill would prevent violent clashes between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders, adopting international best practices in animal husbandry. He described open grazing as outdated and hazardous, urging for a regulatory framework to address pastoralism and livestock mobility.
Senate President Akpabio assured that the bill would undergo public hearings to address raised concerns before final passage and assent. He also acknowledged the potential need to amend the Land Use Act to facilitate ranching.
After a vote, the Senators overwhelmingly supported the bill, which was referred to the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Judicial and Legal Matters, and Trade and Investment. The committees are expected to report back within a month.
