Senate Divided Over Bill Proposing Ranching as Alternative to Open Grazing in Nigeria

By Iyojo Ameh

A bill advocating for the replacement of open grazing with ranching in Nigeria has stirred up controversy in the Senate, leading to a sharp division among lawmakers.

The Bill sponsored by Senator Zam Titus Tertenger of the APC representing Benue North West, managed to pass its second reading despite strong opposition.

Senator Tertenger argued passionately for the adoption of ranching as the most viable option for cattle breeding in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need to modernize livestock management practices.

He noted the devastating impact of herders-farmers conflicts, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced in recent years, underscoring the necessity of immediate action.

While Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe of APGA (Abia South), Garba Musa Maidoki of the PDP (Kebbi South), and Abba Moro of the PDP (Benue South) voiced their support for the bill, others raised objections. Senators Adamu Aliero of the PDP (Kebbi Central), Suleiman Kawu of the NNPP (Kano South), and Danjuma Goje of the APC (Gombe Central) expressed concerns about its implications.

Senator Aliero cited constitutional provisions guaranteeing free movement across states with property, arguing against the proposal to confine ranching to pastoralists’ states of origin. Similarly, Senator Kawu contended that the bill contradicted Nigeria’s constitutional framework and could exacerbate the existing crisis.

Efforts to table the bill were made by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau of the APC (Kano North), who urged the sponsor to reconsider its provisions. However, the bill proceeded to its second reading following a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, despite the sponsor’s reluctance to withdraw it.

The bill has now been referred to the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Trade and Investment, and Judiciary and Legal Matters for further deliberation over the next four weeks.