The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for second reading, despite opposition from Northern senators. The bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger-Zam, aims to promote ranching as a solution to herder-farmer clashes and cattle breeding.
However, Northern senators argue that the bill infringes on the constitutional right to freedom of movement by confining pastoralists to their states of origin. Senator Adamu Aliero emphasized that herders should be allowed to move freely within the country, and urged that the restrictive clause be removed.
Despite efforts to step down the bill, it passed its second reading after a voice vote. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe noted that a similar bill failed to pass in the 8th Senate and emphasized the need to address the Land Use Act to resolve farmer-herder clashes. He suggested amending the constitution and the Land Use Act to simplify land management.
Some senators, including Mohammed Goje and Suleiman-Kawu, expressed concerns that the bill is discriminatory and unconstitutional, violating herders’ rights and potentially worsening existing problems. Senator Simon Lalong highlighted the challenges posed by the ECOWAS protocol, which allows for the free movement of businesses and cattle across the region.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, urged calm and assured senators that the bill will be subjected to a public hearing and possible amendments, including revising the Land Use Act. The bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Trade/Investment, and Legal Services for further review and reporting within four weeks.
