The anti-grazing bill on Wednesday, scaled second reading after a slightly heated debate at the Senate. The bill is seeking to ban open grazing and establish ranches as an antidote for the perennial violent clashes between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders in Nigeria.
Following the tension generated by the Bill, the Senate proposed a national summit on the matter. This is in addition to a public hearing for a comprehensive solution to the herders and farmers clashes, reports Channels TV.
According to report, the proposal came after a motion was moved by Senator Titus Zam representing Benue North-West. He argued that the menace of farmers and herders’ crises can easily be cured through a legislative therapy banning open grazing in Nigeria.
Zam stated that the need to adopt international best practices in animal husbandry is hinged on the establishment of a law to stop open grazing. He pointed that the practice is old-fashioned, hazardous and burdensome culture.
According to the Senator, the Bill proposes ranching as the only viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria.
“The Bill advocates for the urgent need to transit from traditional livestock-keeping methods to modern methods. Which are safer and healthier for both the herds and the herders.
“The Bill proposes that ranches be established in the pastoralists’ state of origin. Without forcing it upon other States or Communities that do not have pastoralists as citizens.
“The Bill further proposes that interested parties in livestock business must seek and obtain approvals of their host communities to establish ranches for peaceful co-existence.”
However, commotion arose on the floor of the Senate when the bill reads that ranches be established in pastoralist States without forcing it in other states that do not have pastoralist communities.
Some lawmakers including the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, however, clamoured for the bill to be stepped down.
However, the majority of lawmakers gave their support when the matter was eventually put to a voice vote.
The Bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Trade and Investment and Legal Services. The Committe is to report back in a month’s time.
