National Telescope national telescope newspaper
A heated debate erupted in the Senate on Wednesday, centering on a bill aimed at establishing a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission.
The proposed commission would regulate cattle ranching across Nigeria, with Senator Titus Tartenger Zam (Benue North-West) sponsoring the bill.
The goal is to control and manage ranches nationwide, preserving and regulating the industry.
However, disagreement arose as Senators Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) expressed concerns that the bill favours the North, where cattle rearing is more prevalent.
They argued that legislation should cater to the entire country, not just a region.
Supporters of the bill, including Senator Hussein Babangida Uba (Jigawa North-West), emphasised the need for the commission to address the ongoing farmer-herder clashes.
After an intense debate, the bill was passed for a second reading and referred to relevant committees for further review.
The controversial bill has sparked a larger debate on the management of cattle ranching and grazing reserves in Nigeria.
While some senators urge caution, others push for its passage as a solution to the lingering farmer-herder crisis.
The outcome may have significant implications for the country’s agricultural industry and regional dynamics.
