A bill proposing a nationwide ban on open grazing sparked intense debate in the Senate on Wednesday. Sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, the legislation aims to resolve long-standing conflicts between herders and farmers by promoting regulated ranching practices.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio firmly stated that cows are not Nigerian citizens and therefore do not have constitutional rights. He clarified that the bill’s purpose is to manage the farmers-herders crisis, not to infringe on citizens’ rights.
Northern senators, including Danjuma Goje and Adamu Aliero, opposed the bill, arguing it would restrict the free movement of herders and their cattle. They emphasized that cattle rearing is a significant activity in northern Nigeria and that the bill would unfairly impact their region.
Akpabio maintained that cows are not citizens and can come from neighboring countries like Niger or Chad. The bill was passed after a voice vote and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Judiciary, and Legal Matters for further review.
The proposed law aims to establish a commission to manage the farmers-herders crisis and promote sustainable cattle rearing practices. If enacted, it would help address the longstanding conflicts and challenges associated with open grazing.