Ned Nwoko proposes ranches in all 774 LGs

Senator Ned Nwoko has called for the establishment and management of ranches across all 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory, aiming to boost food security, curb open grazing, and modernize livestock farming in Nigeria.

The Delta North lawmaker, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday that his proposal is part of a bill currently before the Senate.

According to Nwoko, the legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment, Development, and Management of Ranches in the 774 Local Government Areas and the Federal Capital Territory, to Promote Modern Livestock Farming, Curb Open Grazing, Enhance Food Security, and for Related Matters,” seeks to create a legal framework for ranch development and management nationwide.

The bill provides for state-level approvals for land allocation, ensures environmental sustainability in ranch projects, and promotes transparent funding through public-private partnerships. It also envisions the creation of a Ranch Management and Development Agency tasked with overseeing compliance, enforcing regulations, and implementing sustainable ranching practices.

Nwoko emphasized that the legislation would promote conflict resolution between farmers and herders, ensure environmental and socio-economic compliance, and foster cooperation among federal, state, and local governments.

“It will help modernize livestock farming practices through the establishment of dedicated and legally recognized ranches. It will facilitate cooperation between the federal and state governments as well as local government councils in implementing and managing ranching projects, while respecting constitutional provisions and land tenure laws,” he said.

The senator added that the bill would protect the rights of individuals, communities, and other stakeholders in land allocation for ranching, while addressing livestock welfare, disease control, and dispute resolution. It also encourages private sector participation through financial incentives and partnerships.

Additionally, the legislation provides for fair compensation and resettlement of communities affected by ranching projects and integrates ranching activities into local economies to generate employment and drive economic development.

“The legislation establishes legal mechanisms for licensing, regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of ranching standards. It also facilitates the resolution of disputes arising from ranching operations through statutory processes and legally recognized mechanisms,” Nwoko explained.

Nwoko, who chairs the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, described the bill as a transformative step toward enhancing national food security and sustainable livestock production across Nigeria.

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