NIGERIA stands at a crossroads in its agricultural and socio-economic development. The dissonant plenary session at the Senate on Wednesday over a bill to prohibit open grazing nationwide substantiates the divisive nature of the long-running saga. The primitive open grazing practice has divided Nigeria’s disparate ethnic nationalists for a long time. The proposed bill to establish a commission to regulate ranching by the Senate is a step in the right direction. Rather than digging in along ethnic lines, international best practices should guide the lawmakers into making an informed decision.
While senators are debating the proposed bill –titled, the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission – Fulani herdsmen are wreaking havoc across the country on the pretext of animal husbandry. Governor Seyi Makinde accused the herdsmen of perpetrating violence in the Oke-Ogun parts of Oyo State recently.
The attacks on farmers affect food security and instigate internally displaced persons. The Global Terrorism Index 2023 says Nigeria is the eighth most terrorised country in the world because of the activities of Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, and bandits.
Before the bill passed the second reading, the debate exposed the preferences of the lawmakers. Lawmakers from the North denigrated the bill; their colleagues from the South supported it. The resistance shows logic is absent in the debate. Adamu Aliero, Jibrin Barau, and Danjuma Goje said it is wrong to restrict the movement of the herders despite their impunity. “We should be magnanimous enough not to confine them. That will not solve the problem,” Goje argued.
The northern senators cannot have their cake and eat it. Although the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement, trespassing is an offence. This is a critical point to ponder.
Ekiti and Benue have anti-open grazing laws. Northern states have no such laws.
Traditional nomadic herding, long the backbone of pastoral livelihoods, is increasingly unsustainable in the face of modern challenges. To secure a prosperous future, Nigeria must pivot towards ranching.
The opposition to ranching by some senators and other vested interests is absurd and unreasonable. Such fossilised thinking stems from a sentimental attachment to the past.
On New Year’s Day in 2018, herders attacked communities in Guma and Logo local government areas of Benue State, killing at least 73 people.
A similar massacre was recorded in June 2018 when herders attacked villages in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State, killing over 200 people. The coordinated attacks targeted predominantly Christian farming communities, leading to widespread fear and displacement.
In March 2019, clashes between herders and farmers in Nasarawa State resulted in the death of at least 35 people. The conflict erupted over grazing land and the destruction of farmland by cattle.
Poor governance, lack of effective law enforcement, and corruption contribute to the persistence and escalation of these conflicts. The inability of the government to adequately protect communities and enforce laws worsens the situation.
The economic benefits of adopting ranching are profound. Modern ranching techniques significantly enhance livestock productivity. With better nutrition, healthcare, and breeding practices, animals in ranches grow faster and produce more milk and meat than those in traditional pastoral systems. This increased productivity can substantially boost Nigeria’s agricultural output, reducing dependence on meat imports and improving food security.
To demonstrate commitment to ranching, the authorities should offer tax incentives to businesses investing in ranching infrastructure and operations; facilitate access to low-interest loans and credit facilities for small and medium-scale ranchers, and develop training programmes for herders on modern ranching techniques, animal husbandry, and farm management.
Providing financial grants to herders and farmers to assist in the transition from nomadic herding to ranching will go a long way in entrenching the business and boosting food security in the country.
