News in Brief:
– The Enugu State House of Assembly passed a Public Ranch Agency Bill to establish a body regulating cattle grazing and creating designated ranches.
– This aims to reduce tensions between farmers and herders, and potentially boost agricultural output and tax revenue.
The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed a bill creating a Public Ranch Agency to manage both government and private ranches in the state. This move is seen as a potential solution to the ongoing farmer-herder crisis that has impacted agricultural output and security in the region.
Proponents of the bill argue that it will establish a framework for peaceful co-existence between farmers and herders. Lawmakers like Clifford Obe believe the legislation will deter cattle herders from encroaching on farmlands, thereby improving agricultural productivity and reducing rural-urban migration caused by insecurity.
Additionally, the agency will designate specific areas for cattle grazing, ensuring herders operate within established boundaries. This, according to Okechukwu Aneke, another lawmaker, will not only minimise property damage by cattle but also create a system for collecting taxes from herders who previously contributed nothing to the state’s revenue.
Meanwhile, the bill has drawn some criticism, with concerns raised about potential discrimination against herders. However, lawmakers like Chima Obieze have emphasized that the legislation does not target any specific ethnic group and simply aims to regulate grazing practices.
Confirming this position, the Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Uche Ugwu, gave assurances that the bill is designed to promote peace and will not disrupt the state’s security. However, Harrison Ogara, another lawmaker, cautioned that successful implementation will hinge on careful planning and a strategic approach by the executive arm of the government.
