A bill for an Act to ban open grazing and establish ranches as an solution for the repeated violent clashes between farmers and nomadic herders in Nigeria has scaled second reading after a heated debate.

The Senate also proposed a national summit on the matter, in addition to a public hearing for a comprehensive solution.

The proposal came after a motion on the bill was moved by Senator TITUS ZAM representing Benue North-West, who argued, in his lead debate, that the menace of farmers and herders’ crises can easily be cured through a legislative therapy banning open grazing in Nigeria.

His argument also hinged on the need to adopt international best practices in animal husbandry by establishing a law to stop open grazing to discard the old-fashioned and risky culture.

According to him, the bill advocates for the urgent need to transit from traditional livestock-keeping methods to modern methods which are safer and healthier for both the herds and the herders.

Despite opposition by some lawmakers including the Deputy Senate President, BARAU JIBRIN, who clamoured that the bill be stepped down, most lawmakers gave their support when the matter was eventually put to a voice vote.

The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Trade and Investment and Legal Services to report back in one month.