A bill to prohibit open rearing and grazing of livestock and provide for the establishment of ranches has passed the second reading at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
This was announced through an official statement made by the office of the speaker of Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly through its’ Press Unit.
Leading debate on the Bill at plenary on Thursday, 9 September, the member representing Oruk Anam state constituency, Rt. Hon. Udo Keirean Akpan, said when passed into law, the Bill would prevent the destruction of farms, crops, ponds, settlements, and properties caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock.
He said the bill would also promote the production of healthy breeds of livestock and boost job and investment opportunities in livestock farming.
“The bill will also manage the environmental impact of open livestock grazing and protect the environment from degradation and pollution caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock,” he said.
The bill, according to the lawmaker, will also promote modern techniques of animal husbandry and international best practices in the dairy and beef industry.
Akpan spoke on the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State Livestock and Ranch Administration and Control Committee, which he said would develop an integrated modern livestock development and production plan for the state.
He said the committee will also provide technical support on the management and sustenance of ranches and organize training programmes to improve education in animal husbandry and livestock production.
The bill elicited unanimous support from House members and has been referred to the joint committee on Agriculture and natural resources and lands, housing, and urban renewal for an in-depth study. The committee is to report back within two weeks.
The House adjourned plenary sessions to Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 10 am.