The Senate has passed a bill to control and regulate the cattle rearing ranching business across Nigeria in response to the ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers nationwide.

The bill establishes the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission, sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam from Benue North West.

The heated debate took place on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in the Senate. Zam stated that the purpose of the bill is to manage, preserve, and control ranches throughout Nigeria.

However, Senators Danjuma Goje from Gombe and Adamu Aliero from Kebbi opposed the bill, arguing that cattle rearing and ranching activities are predominantly in the North, and the legislation should benefit the entire country, not just a specific group.

Goje pointed out that cattle routes start in the far north and end in Lokoja, without extending to the South.

Senator Hussein Babangida Uba from Jigawa North-West urged caution in passing the bill due to past controversies.

Despite the opposition, some Senators believe that the bill will help address the crisis between farmers and herders once it is enacted. The bill was passed during plenary after a vote by the Senate President on Wednesday, June 5.