The Senate proposed a national summit and a public hearing to find a comprehensive solution to the farmers and herders’ crises. This proposal followed a motion by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North-West, who argued that the issue could be resolved through legislation banning open grazing in Nigeria. He emphasized the need to adopt international best practices in animal husbandry by establishing a law to stop open grazing, discarding the outdated and hazardous practice.
The bill, according to Zam, proposes ranching as the only viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria. “The bill advocates for the urgent need to transition from traditional livestock-keeping methods to modern methods, which are safer and healthier for both the herds and the herders,” he stated. It suggests establishing ranches in the pastoralists’ state of origin without imposing them on other states or communities that do not have pastoralists as citizens. The bill also requires interested parties in the livestock business to seek and obtain approvals from their host communities to establish ranches, ensuring peaceful coexistence.
A portion of the bill proposing the establishment of ranches in pastoralist states without imposing it on other states sparked contention. Despite opposition from some lawmakers, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who called for the bill to be stepped down, the majority supported it when put to a voice vote. The bill was then referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Trade and Investment, and Legal Services, which is expected to report back in one month.