The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill to establish the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission, aimed at regulating cattle rearing and ranching across the country.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam, was met with stiff opposition from some lawmakers who argued that it favours one region over others.
During the debate, Zam explained that the proposed Commission would manage, regulate, and preserve ranches nationwide.
However, Senators Danjuma Goje and Adamu Aliero, both former governors, opposed the bill, citing that cattle rearing and ranching are more prevalent in the North and that the law should cater to the entire country, not just one section.
Senator Hussein Babangida Uba cautioned against passing the bill without careful consideration, given its past controversies.
Proponents of the bill argued that it would help manage the farmers/herders crisis and should be passed.
The bill was eventually passed through a voice vote and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Judiciary, and Legal Matters for further review, with a report expected in four weeks.
