Emerging report indicates that a Bill to establish a National Livestock Bureau, NLB, for the purpose of livestock identification, cattle rustling control, registration, and livestock disease control, passed through second reading at the 9th Senate, on Tuesday.
The Bill which is sponsored by Senator Muhammad Bima Enagi, is aimed at sanitising the livestock industry, and addressing the persistent Farmers/Herders clashes, as well as cattle rustling in the country.
Senator Enagi while addressing the Red Chamber, said that the proposed legislation will greatly enhance the development of the country’s livestock industry.
He said: “Let me refresh our memory to the fact that this Bill passed through the 8th Senate, but unfortunately, it never went through. I want to say that the coming of this Bill is timely, and should be supported.”
The Lawmaker added that the movement of livestock and their products has increased the spread of diseases, increased the threat to human health, and reduced consumer confidence in animal products.
The Bureau, when established, will ensure the traceability of animal products into the country, in order to safeguard the lives of citizens.
The Senator added that the database would serve as a guide for policy formulation by the government, and ensure the regulation of participants in the livestock business.
The Bill was read the Second Time, and referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, to report back within four weeks.
More news later…
