During a meeting, the Nigerian Senate successfully passed a bill that paves the way for the establishment of the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission.
Sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, who represents Benue North-west, the legislation titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission for the Regulation, Management, Preservation, and Control of Ranches throughout Nigeria; and for connected purposes, 2024” aims to address the need for a centralized body to oversee and regulate ranches across the nation.
During the debate, Senator Zam emphasized the crucial role of the proposed commission in the management, preservation, and control of ranches throughout Nigeria.
He underscored the importance of effective regulation and preservation of these ranches for the benefit of the country.
However, the bill faced strong opposition from Senator Danjuma Goje of Gombe and Senator Adamu Aliero of Kebbi, both lawmakers and former governors.
They argued that cattle rearing and ranching activities were more prevalent in the northern regions of the country and expressed concerns that the legislation should cater to the entire nation rather than a specific region.
Senator Goje, in particular, highlighted that cattle routes primarily span from the far north and end in Lokoja, with no extension to the southern regions.
This raised questions about the applicability and scope of the proposed bill.
Adding to the discourse, Senator Hussein Babangida Uba, representing Jigawa North-West, urged caution in passing the bill due to its history of controversies.
He emphasized the need for thorough consideration and careful examination of its potential implications.
On the other side, supporters of the bill argued that the establishment of the proposed commission would effectively address the ongoing farmers/herders crisis.
They emphasized the necessity of its passage to provide much-needed solutions to the pressing challenges faced in this sector.
After a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the bill was successfully passed.
It has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Judiciary, and Legal Matters for further scrutiny and review, with a deadline of four weeks for their report to be presented.
