Senate is split over ranching bill

The Senate in Nigeria debated a bill on ranching, which seeks to replace open grazing with ranches in the states of origin of pastoralists.

The bill managed to scale the second reading despite causing division among the senators. The core issue of disagreement revolved around the potential infringement on constitutional provisions and ECOWAS protocols regarding the free movement of individuals and their belongings across states and countries.

The sponsor of the bill, Senator Zam Titus Tertenger, argued that ranching is a safer and healthier alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria and emphasized the need to transition from traditional livestock keeping methods to modern approaches. He proposed that ranches should be set up in the pastoralists’ states of origin with the consultation and approval of the host communities to ensure peaceful co-existence. Senator Tertenger highlighted the staggering number of lives lost and people displaced due to farmer-herder conflicts and emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue.

While some senators supported the bill, others raised concerns about its constitutionality. Senator Adamu Aliero cited Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees free movement of Nigerians with their property into any state, and criticized the bill’s proposal to restrict ranches to the states of origin. Senator Suleiman Kawu also argued that the bill contradicts the Nigerian Constitution and could worsen the herder-farmer crisis if enacted.

Despite the opposition, the bill narrowly passed the second reading and was referred to Senate Committees for further review and input within the next four weeks. The debate showcased differing perspectives on the issue of ranching and open grazing, highlighting the complexities involved in finding a resolution that balances the interests of all stakeholders.

Dnews Info

DNews Info is a trusted source for breaking news, insightful commentary, and in-depth coverage of events across Nigeria and beyond. With a commitment to delivering accurate, timely, and engaging stories, we aim to keep our readers informed and empowered. Stay connected for the latest updates in politics, business, entertainment, and more.