Herdsmen’s Rejection of Ranching Bill Sparks Reactions

The National Ranches Commission Establishment Bill 2024, which proposes designated areas for cattle rearers in Nigeria, has sparked significant reactions following its rejection by herders.

Herders across Nigeria have voiced strong opposition to the bill, which has recently passed its second reading in the Senate. They argue that it fails to address the longstanding and violent clashes between farmers and herders in the country.

Sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam from Benue North-West, the bill aims to mitigate the frequent farmer-herder conflicts by establishing state-specific ranches for herders. Additionally, the proposed law includes strict penalties for violators, including a five-year jail term and a 50-thousand naira fine once it becomes law.

The bill has also encountered resistance from several prominent northern senators, who argue that it infringes on the herders’ constitutional right to reside and move freely anywhere within Nigeria, as enshrined in Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution.

In an interview with DparrotNews, some residents of Ibadan expressed support for the bill, viewing it as a necessary step to curb the destruction caused by herders to food production in the region. They believe that establishing designated ranches could significantly reduce the farmer-herder conflicts that have contributed to food scarcity in Nigeria.

The ongoing clashes between farmers and herders have had a detrimental impact on the country’s food security, exacerbating the scarcity of food resources nationwide.

The National Ranches Commission Establishment Bill 2024 continues to generate debate and division, highlighting the complexities of addressing Nigeria’s farmer-herder conflicts. The outcome of this legislative effort remains to be seen as stakeholders from various regions and sectors weigh in on its potential impact.