Herders Reject National Ranches Commission Bill, Describe It as “Dubious”, “Anti-Pastoralist”

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has vehemently opposed the National Ranches Commission Establishment Bill 2024, currently before the Senate. The herders argue that the bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam (APC, Benue North West), fails to address the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders and may worsen the situation.

MACBAN’s leader, Baba Ngelzarma, expressed concerns that the bill appears to target pastoralists and perpetuate the failed policies of Benue State, which banned open grazing. He advocated for a ministry of livestock and fisheries instead, to serve the broader interests of the sector.

The bill, which has passed its second reading in the Senate, proposes the establishment of ranches in herders’ home states and imposes penalties, including a five-year prison sentence and a ₦50,000 fine, for non-compliance. Herders and some senators have criticized the bill, citing its potential to exacerbate tensions and violate constitutional principles.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called for a public hearing to incorporate input from stakeholders, including herders and state governments, to reach a consensus on the bill.

“Part 1V, Section 22 (1-7) of the bill listed an avalanche of actions that would land one in jail if he or she perpetrates any of the offences.

“No person shall alienate any rights affecting land constituted as the National Ranches, by sale, mortgage, assignment, lease, customary pledge, transfer, or otherwise, however.

“No improvements shall be done by anybody in the National Ranches without the approval of the Commission or the Ranch Controller in writing. No encroachment of any kind into the National Ranches, enclave, resting points, water points and other designated areas for stock use by anybody whosoever.

“Bush burning and hunting are prohibited within National Ranches. The use of chemicals, the felling of trees, destruction of ecosystems in whatever form are strictly prohibited under this Act.

“Movement of cattle from one ranch to another or marketplace shall be only by vehicular means. No livestock or cattle shall be allowed by any individual, group of persons or organisation to wander, roam, move and or graze outside the National Ranches.”

Before now, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had called for a public hearing to include input from all stakeholders, including cattle herders and state governments, on the bill.

Akpabio assured that efforts would be made to reach a consensus on the bill, including necessary amendments to the Land Use Act.

Recently, the head of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Baba Ngelzarma, while addressing newsmen on the pressing issue, expressed concerns about the bill, arguing it appears dubious and should not be passed due to its backing by a senator from Benue State.

READ ALSO:  Bandits kidnap another Catholic priest

Ngelzarma mentioned that during Governor Samuel Ortom’s term in Benue State, the government passed a law against open grazing, which negatively affected both pastoralists and farmers in the area.

He pointed out that the National Ranches Commission Bill, 2024, aims to copy the failed policies of Benue State, emphasizing the need for a ministry of livestock and fisheries instead of a ranches commission to serve the broader interest.