The National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission establishment Bill scaled second reading on the floor of the Senate Wednesday after an intense debate.
In his lead debate, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Titus Tartenger Zam (APC, Benue), said creating ranches in pastoralists’ states of origin would prevent conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence.
Before the bill scaled second reading, it had faced strong opposition from some northern senators, who insisted that herders should have the freedom to reside anywhere in Nigeria, as guaranteed by Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution.
Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi) maintained that confining herders to their states of origin violates their constitutional rights.Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a public hearing to include input from all stakeholders, including cattle rearers and state governments.He assured that efforts would be made to reach a consensus on the bill, including necessary amendments to the Land Use Act.
The bill was referred to the joint Senate Committee on Agriculture, Judiciary, and Legal Matters for further review, with a report due within four weeks.