In a heated session on Wednesday, the Nigerian Senate successfully passed the bill to ban open grazing, scaling its second reading. The proposed legislation aims to prohibit open grazing in the country, a move seen as a significant step towards addressing the lingering farmers-herders crisis.
The bill’s passage was met with intense debate and disagreements among Senators, highlighting the deep-seated divisions on the issue. Despite the tensions, the bill secured the required majority vote, paving the way for its further consideration by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, argued that the ban on open grazing is essential for promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, as well as enhancing national food security. However, some Senators from northern states expressed concerns that the bill could lead to cultural and economic implications for herders.
The Senate’s move to ban open grazing follows growing concerns about the environmental and social impacts of the practice, including deforestation, land degradation, and conflicts over resources. The bill’s passage is seen as a significant step towards addressing these issues and promoting sustainable agriculture practices in Nigeria.
