Senate President Godswill Akpabio has firmly stated that cows are not Nigerian citizens, as northern senators opposed a proposal to ban open grazing.
During a session on Wednesday, the Senate discussed a bill introduced by Senator Titus Zam from Benue North West.
The bill aims to stop open grazing across the country to reduce conflicts between herders and farmers. It includes rules for setting up and running ranches to encourage better practices and reduce disputes.
However, it faced strong opposition from Senator Danjuma Goje of Gombe and Senator Adamu Aliero of Kebbi.
Northern senators argued that banning open grazing would violate the rights of herders, noting that cattle rearing is more common in the northern region. They believed laws should benefit the whole country, not just one area.
Aliero mentioned that traditional cattle routes start in the far north and end in Lokoja, but the division of the northern region into 19 states has complicated this.
In response, Senate President Akpabio said, “Cows are not citizens of Nigeria. Cows can come from Niger, Chad or anywhere,” emphasizing that the Nigerian constitution does not give rights to cows.
Other senators supporting the bill said the proposed law would help manage conflicts between farmers and herders and should be approved.
After a voice vote, the bill was passed and sent to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Judiciary, and Legal Matters, with a report expected in four weeks.
The bill aims to create a more organized and peaceful approach to cattle rearing in Nigeria.
