The Nigerian Senate has urged the Federal Government to consider providing funding for the establishment of modern ranches nationwide.
The call, which is aimed at improving safety and economic productivity for herders and farming communities, is also aimed at enhancing livestock productivity.
The call is coming in the backdrop of the newly created Ministry of Livestock Department, which would provide guidelines for the operation of the proposed ranches.
Consequently, the lawmakers have resolved to enact legislation that would define the limits of economic activities under the ECOWAS Treaty.
The resolution came through a motion of urgent national importance raised by Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro (Gombe South).
It was primarily geared towards addressing displacement of communities associated with the incessant herders/farmers clashes and banditry in many parts of the Northwest and North Central zones.
Citing the recent displacement of farming communities at Billiri local government area of Gombe State, Siyako said it’s high time the government addressed the menace.
The senators also recalled the December 11 attacks in Sansani, Kalindi, Powishi, and Lawushi Daji villages, all in Billiri local government area.
Many villagers were killed in the attacks and property destroyed, leading to the displacement of hundreds of the villagers.
The invaders also rustled livestock, carted away farm produce and set many houses on fire.
The lawmakers noted how the violent attacks keep spreading to neighbouring states of Taraba, Bauchi and Adamawa, worsening food insecurity in the process.
States like Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa in the North Central have also recorded attacks in recent times, with growing number of casualties during every attack.
In his contribution, Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP Bayelsa West), described ranching as a sustainable solution to the herdsmen crisis.
He argued that the initiative would enhance security, create economic opportunities, and resolve the longstanding conflicts between herders and host communities.
“Ranching is a legitimate business opportunity that could transform livestock management in Nigeria, while also ensuring the safety of both herders and locals,” Dickson said.
The Bayelsa senator proposed a collaborative approach involving the Senate Committees on Agriculture and National Security, alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Livestock Development, to develop a nationwide ranching framework.
Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole stressed the need for decisive action, urging the Senate to revisit its earlier resolution to hold a national public hearing to address the security and economic challenges posed by unregulated movements and grazing under the ECOWAS framework.
Oshiomhole emphasised the importance of enacting laws to regulate economic activities and define individual rights to ensure public safety.
The Senate therefore urged the security agencies to investigate the growing attacks with a view to arresting the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
It also called on the relevant federal agencies to provide relief materials for the affected communities, especially the displaced persons.
Senate Seeks FG’s Funding For Ranching To Curb Banditry is first published on The Whistler Newspaper