A proposed bill to ‘establish national livestock and management (protection, control and management etc) bureau’ has passed the second reading in the Senate.
The legislation, which will create a database for livestock, was sponsored by Bima Enagi (APC, Niger South).
The bill is proposed at solving the challenges of animal identification and management by establishing the National Livestock Bureau for the purpose of livestock identification, traceability, registration, cattle rustling control and livestock disease control.
Enagi noted that Nigeria has been unable to participate in the export of meat and other dietary products due to the absence of a management system said the bill intends to identify the ownership and prevent rustling.
He added that the bill has been expanded to include information on animals’ origins (birthplace, parentage, sex, breed, genetics) as well as the ability to trace an animal product back through the marketing chain to its source.
The lawmaker added that when the Bureau is established, it will ensure the traceability of animal products into the country in order to safeguard the lives of citizens.
Some objectives of the Bill include:
* Creation of a National Livestock Identification database.
* Ensure management, traceability, and control of the movement of livestock.
* Ensure livestock health and disease management through disease surveillance, prevention and quick response to disease outbreaks.
* Food safety through the traceability of animal products.
* Enhance transparency and information in the food chain.
* Deter animal theft, especially as it affects the incessant cattle rustling crisis.
* Aid intelligence gathering by security agencies towards mitigating the incessant conflicts between herders and farmers and
* International market access and trade, thereby diversifying the economy.
Meanwhile, Sabi Abdullahi, a senator representing Niger state seconded the bill. He described it as timely.
After passage, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development for further legislative work and public hearing.
The panel is expected to report back in a month.
