Ranches Bill passes second reading in Senate

• This initiative seeks to replace open grazing practices to mitigate herder-farmer conflicts in the country
  

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The National Ranches Commission Establishment Bill, 2024, which has passed its second reading in the Senate, proposes a five-year jail term and a N50,000 fine for violators once it receives presidential assent and becomes law.

The bill outlines restrictions and penalties for those who do not comply.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam (APC, Benue North West), aims to establish ranches for herders in their home states. This initiative seeks to replace open grazing practices to mitigate herder-farmer conflicts in the country.

If enacted, the National Ranches Commission would manage, preserve, and control ranches nationwide.

Despite facing strong opposition from Northern senators, the bill successfully passed its second reading in the Senate on June 5, 2024.

The bill in Part 1V, Section 23 (1), says, “Any person who contravenes any provisions of this Act or regulations made hereunder shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of N50,000 or imprisonment for 5 years or both.”

Part 1V, Section 22 (1-7) of the Bill lists an avalanche of actions that would land one in jail if he or she perpetrates them.

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

“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, felling of trees, destruction of ecosystem in whatever form are strictly prohibited under this Act.

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