Abuja: Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) has called for the establishment, development, and management of ranches across the 774 local government areas and the FCT to enhance food security. Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, shared his proposal with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, revealing that the proposal is encapsulated in a bill currently before the Senate.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the bill, 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 comprehensive legal framework for the development and management of ranches nationwide. Nwoko, serving as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, emphasized the bill’s aim to modernize livestock farming, reduce open grazing, and bolster food security efforts.
The proposed legislation includes provisions for state-level approvals on land allocation, ensuring environmental sustainability in ranch projects, and promoting transparent funding through public-private partnerships. Nwoko outlined the establishment of a Ranch Management and Development Agency, tasked with regulatory oversight, compliance enforcement, and the implementation of sustainable ranching practices.
Sen. Nwoko, also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, highlighted that the bill would regulate ranching operations to prevent and resolve farmer-herder conflicts. It promotes collaboration across federal, state, and local government levels while adhering to constitutional land tenure laws.
The bill aims to protect the rights of individuals and communities regarding land use for ranching, in alignment with the Land Use Act and other relevant legislation. Additionally, it seeks to ensure environmental sustainability by mandating adherence to standards for ranch establishment and operation.
The legislation also addresses livestock welfare, health, and disease control, alongside providing mechanisms for dispute resolution. It recognizes ranching standards under the law and creates an enabling environment for private sector involvement through incentives and partnerships, aiming to enhance national food security through sustainable livestock production.
Nwoko assured that the bill would ensure fair compensation and resettlement for individuals and communities whose lands are acquired for ranching projects. It also aims to drive economic development and job creation by integrating ranching into local economies.