A bill seeking to create a national database for cows, goats, and other animals in the country is currently before the Nigerian Senate.
The bill when passed seeks an act to provide for National Livestock Bureau.
The bill is sponsored by the Senator representing Niger South in the National Assembly, Muhammad Enagi, scaled second reading at Tuesday’s plenary session.
Enagi explained that livestock identification by the agency will include ownership and other details including their origin, birthplace, sex, and breed.
According to the provisions of the bill, the bureau will be in charge of the identification, traceability, and registration of livestock such as cows and goats to among other things curb cattle rustling in Nigeria.
The bill further seeks to create a national livestock identification database; control the movement of livestock and ensure their management to prevent disease outbreaks.
The bill also wants the proposed bureau to be charged with ensuring food safety, transparency and information in the food chain, as well as the prevention of cattle rustling to end the prolonged farmer/herder conflict in Nigeria.
The agency will also monitor the movement of livestock including animal products being imported into, or sold in, Nigeria if the bill is passed and actualized.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on agriculture and rural development for further action.
