The Senate has thrown its weight behind a bold call for the establishment of modern ranches across Nigeria.
This move, led by Senator Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa West, aims to address the recurring clashes between herders and farmers.
On Tuesday, the Senate unanimously adopted the proposal, which urges the Federal Government to collaborate with states, local councils, and private businesses to set up ranches.
“Animal husbandry is a legitimate business,” Senator Dickson said during the debate.
He pointed out that the root of the herders-farmers conflict lies in the economic challenges faced by herders.
“These herdsmen are victims of the economic situation, trekking with cattle from Sokoto to Bayelsa, Lagos, and other states,” he stated.
The Senator noted that the establishment of ranches would not only modernize animal husbandry but also protect both herders and farmers.
He called for the Senate Committee on National Security and the Senate Committee on Agriculture to work with the executive arm.
Their task is to develop a proposal in partnership with the Ministry of Livestock, the Ministry of Agriculture, and other stakeholders.
“Let us mandate these committees to interact with the executive and come up with a nationwide ranching proposal,” Senator Dickson urged.
This isn’t the first time Senator Dickson has championed ranching as a solution to open grazing.
During his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, he implemented a similar policy to manage herdsmen activities in the state.
Ten years ago, Bayelsa introduced measures to create a controlled environment for herders and their livestock.
In Bayelsa Palms, herdsmen were provided with essential facilities, including water sources, an abattoir, veterinary services, and a cattle market.
The state also ensured security in the area through the police and civil defense.
“Our approach provided a safe and commercially viable solution for herders,” Senator Dickson recalled.
At the same time, Bayelsa announced strict penalties for the illegal possession of weapons, ensuring peace between herders and locals.
Senator Dickson stressed the need for federal intervention to make ranching a nationwide solution.
He proposed that the Central Bank of Nigeria provide loans to support the establishment of ranches.
“This requires funding and collaboration at all levels—federal, state, local governments, and private businesses,” he explained.
Dickson highlighted that the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement for people and their property, including livestock.
“Banning herdsmen from moving with their animals would be unconstitutional,” he emphasized.
This balanced approach earned Bayelsa’s policy legal backing, turning it into a state law.
The nationwide adoption of modern ranching could mark a turning point in the herders-farmers crisis.
Over the years, violent clashes between herders and farmers have claimed lives and destroyed livelihoods.
With proper funding and coordination, ranching offers a practical solution to end these conflicts.
Senator Dickson’s proposal has now set the stage for further action by the Senate and the Federal Government.
Nigerians will be watching closely as the committees deliberate and present their recommendations.
For many, this initiative represents hope for a more peaceful and economically stable future.
“This is the right time for us to act,” Senator Dickson concluded.
