Senator Lalong Supports Ranching Bill, Calls for Wider Consultation

From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos

Senator Simon Lalong, representing Plateau South Senatorial District, has shown his support for the bill to establish the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission.

In a statement signed by Dr Makut Macham, his Special Adviser Media said the bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, aims to regulate, manage, preserve, and control ranches in Nigeria.

Senator Lalong, who was part of the National Livestock Transformation Programme under the last administration, acknowledged the importance of the bill in addressing farmers-herders conflict and modernizing animal husbandry.

However, he emphasized the need for caution and wider consultation to ensure successful implementation.

He recalled that the National Livestock Transformation Programme, which had World Bank funding, failed to gain nationwide support, with some states refusing to implement ranching.

Senator Lalong stressed the need to address these challenges and ensure that the threats posed by open grazing are addressed once and for all.

He also highlighted the potential benefits of ranching, including job creation and value chain development.

The statement added that after the plenary, Senator Lalong participated in a meeting of the Senate Committee on Federal Character.