Legislature
Donkey dealers warn FG against Ban on donkey slaughter, say it will render 3 million Nigerians unemployed
Bill seeking to regulate slaughtering of donkey in Nigeria will create loss of business and investments for three million Nigerians, the Donkey Dealers Association(DDA) have said.
Their misgiving against the Bill came to the fore when the National President of DDA, Mr Ifeanyi Dike made the remark at a one day Public hearing on eight bills for the agriculture sector.
This was as the house of Representatives committee chairman on Agriculture, Mohammed Datti, earlier in his remarks said the bill is seeking to prohibit entirely, the killing and export of donkeys to China, saying that China was using the donkey skin for their traditional medicine.
“This animal is facing extinction and it’s an animal you cannot breed in large number because of the very low rate of fertility.
“The major beneficiary in this trade is the donkey breeding merchants in China with a profit of 293 million dollars in 2016 to the detriment of the rural people of Africa and Caribbean.”
The public hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.
The bill on Donkey Slaughter, Regulation and Export Certification Bill 2020, sponsored by Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi is seeking to regulate the slaughter of donkeys.
It also seeks to establish the breeding and ranching of donkeys through the export certification value chain, to mitigate extinction of donkeys given their Aesthetics, Ecological, Educational, Historical, Recreational and Scientific Value to the nation.
Dike said outright ban on slaughtering of donkey was not a solution to the envisaged extinction of donkeys in Nigeria.
“We should know that outright ban as proposed by this bill will create some powerful smuggling syndicates who are bent in getting the donkey derivatives for export to China thereby sabotaging the economy.
“The blanket ban on donkey killing and export of its derivatives as a result of morbid fear of its extinction has failed to realise that regulation, ranching and breeding is the solution.
“Cows which we slaughter more than 50,000 on daily basis as meat has not gone into extinction, so how can a donkey with the same gestation period as cow into extinction, we should encourage breeding and ranching,”he said.
Dike said the dealers have invested heavily over the years and had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) for the breeding and production of five million donkeys within a space of 10 years.
“We took this action to increase the local population of donkeys in Nigeria to avoid its extinction.
“We state categorically that anyone or group of person who support, the blanket ban on donkey killing is deemed enemy of our businesses, enemy to Nigeria economy as well as indirectly supporting the Chinese.”
He said donkey regulation, breeding and ranching policy would create millions of job opportunities starting from donkey farmers, traders, slaughter house, Logistics and export.
“Each of these segments is very important in revenue generation into our economy by way of taxation and levy collections right from the Local Governments, to the states and to the Federal Government.
“It is projected that donkey businesses if properly regulated is capable of injecting 10 billion naira annually to our economy. “
Dike urged the Senate to consider the plight of over three million Nigerians to be out of jobs and businesses, if the bill was allowed to pass.
Mr Marcel Okpara, a legal practitioner and a human rights activist told NAN, that the bill was a calculated attempt to put some Nigerians out of business and from earning a living,adding that the business of donkey slaughtering had been in existence for 70 years.
He said the dealers were more worried about the extinction of donkey, hence have resorted to breeding more donkeys through establishment of ranching systems to keep them in business.
Okpara said he was not against having a legal framework to regulate the business of donkey, but advised that the act should be framed to protect Nigerians in the business of donkey across its value chain .
Earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Bima Enagi said the public hearing was designed to receive inputs from stakeholders and the general public with a bid to come up with relevant legislations that would promote agriculture in Nigeria.
“You will recall that these important bills were read first and second, time in the hallowed Chamber of the Senate as per the practice.
“Cursory look at the bills would reveal to us that, they are out to serve similar goals and purpose, ensure food security and healthy diet for our citizens, create jobs, development of the sector through various value chains and to reposition the agricultural sector in our economy.”
He said the committee would via the Senate leadership would reposition the agricultural sector to increase its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and achieve the objective of the global food organizational policies.
The eight bills considered at the public hearing, includes:
Nigerian Research Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Bakassi (Establishment) Bill, 2020.
An act to provide a Legal Framework for the Cassava Inclusion policy of Federal Government, to Encourage Cassava farming, create a sustainable market for the produce and for other matters connected therewith, 2022National Food Safety and Quality Bill, 2020
Donkey slaughter Regulation and Export Certification Bill, 2020
National Veterinary Research institute, Gombe (Establishment) Bill 2021
Federal College of Agriculture, Ogoja, Criss River State (Establishment) Bill 2022
Federal College of Agriculture, Ise-Orun, Ekiti State (Establishment) Bill 2022
Federal Collegeof Agriculture, Technology Opialuojapo, Benue State (Establishment) Bill 2022
Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has extended his condolences to Governor Babagana Zulum and the people of Borno State following the recent devastating floods that have ravaged parts of the state.
A statement by his media adviser Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo quoted Lawan to have expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and property caused by the disaster, which has left many residents displaced and without livelihoods.
He urged swift intervention from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.
Lawan, who represents Yobe North Senatorial District, commended Governor Zulum’s efforts in responding to the flood disaster and pledged his support for the affected communities.
The former Senate President’s statement conveyed his solidarity with the people of Borno State during this challenging time.
The statement reads, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the severe flooding in Borno State, which has caused untold hardship and suffering to our compatriots. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones and property in this disaster.
“I urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other relevant agencies to swiftly provide relief materials and assistance to the affected communities.“
“I want to commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his proactive efforts in evacuating residents from the flooded areas and providing temporary shelters for them. His leadership has been instrumental in minimizing the impact of the disaster.“
He commended the federal government for providing additional support to Borno State to enable it to cope with the aftermath of the flood.
Lawan also urged the Borno State government to work with relevant agencies to find lasting solutions to the flooding in the state.
“While we commiserate with the victims of the flood, we must also work towards finding lasting solutions to this perennial problem. The Borno State government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, should embark on a comprehensive flood control programme to mitigate future disasters,” he said.
Senator Lawan prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the flood and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
From Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has reconvened after a lengthy recess, with Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf expressing gratitude and excitement over the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s victory in the November 11th governorship election.
In his welcome address to members, Speaker Yusuf commended the lawmakers for their solidarity and assured them of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s commitment to collaborative governance for the state’s betterment.
Yusuf stated, “The Supreme Court’s pronouncement has profound significance for all of us, both as members of this esteemed assembly and as a state. We attribute this triumph to the Almighty God.”
The Speaker emphasized the legislature’s unity across party lines, saying, “As lawmakers, we have collectively rejoiced at this outcome, demonstrating our commitment to working harmoniously for the state’s progress.”
The assembly pledged its support for the executive branch, ensuring a harmonious working relationship to drive development and progress in Kogi State.
***Applauds Numerous Achievements in 7 Months
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed a Vote of Confidence on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, lauding his outstanding achievements over the past seven months.
The vote of confidence was passed during Tuesday’s plenary session following the adoption of a motion on Urgent Public Importance, moved by Hon. Akus Lawal (APC-Ankpa 1).
In his motion, Hon. Akus highlighted the governor’s significant accomplishments in fiscal discipline, financial management, agriculture, health, security, infrastructure development, and education.
The motion commended Governor Ododo’s efforts in reducing the state’s domestic debt from N121 billion to N38 billion, earning Kogi State a “B-” rating with a positive outlook from FITCH Ratings.
The governor’s initiatives in agriculture, such as designating 8,000 hectares of farmland, releasing N8 billion to farm clusters, and refurbishing 200 tractors, were also praised.
In health, the motion recognized the governor’s efforts in formalizing the Health Insurance Scheme, revitalizing over 70 primary health centers, and distributing essential consumables and hospital equipment.
The governor’s commitment to security, infrastructure development, and education was acknowledged as well, including the engagement of local hunters and vigilantes, the launch of a metropolitan quick response unit, and the construction of roads and model colleges.
The House of Assembly’s vote of confidence is a testament to Governor Ododo’s dedication to transforming Kogi State and improving the lives of its citizens.
Hon. Jibrin Abu (APC-Ajaokuta) seconded the motion, which was supported by other members. In their various submissions, they applauded the governor for his achievements despite the pressure from ongoing litigation.
In his ruling on the motion, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that despite the pending litigation from the election, the governor had achieved a great deal within seven months. He highlighted Governor Ododo’s impact on fiscal discipline, financial management, debt reduction, improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and advancements in the agricultural sector.
Speaker Yusuf also emphasized the tremendous support the health sector has received under Ododo’s administration, from private healthcare to tertiary health institutions. He noted significant improvements in security, infrastructure development across the three senatorial districts, continuity and support for education, as well as reforms and improvements in Kogi’s civil service at both the state and local government levels.
He concluded that the governor not only deserves a pass mark but also excellence, and that a Vote of Confidence to support and encourage him was indeed in order.
Speaker Yusuf then adopted the motion following overwhelming voice votes in favor of the motion.
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