Senator Ned Nwoko Proposes Ranches in All 774 LGs to Modernize Livestock Farming and Boost Food Security
Senator Ned Nwoko has proposed the establishment and management of ranches in all 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory, aiming to strengthen food security, reduce open grazing, and modernize livestock farming across Nigeria.
The Delta North lawmaker, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, revealed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday that his proposal is included in a bill currently under consideration by the Senate.
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,” aims to create a nationwide legal framework for ranch development and management.
The bill outlines state-level approvals for land allocation, ensures environmentally sustainable ranch projects, and promotes transparency through public-private partnerships. It also proposes the creation of a Ranch Management and Development Agency responsible for monitoring compliance, enforcing regulations, and implementing sustainable ranching practices.
Nwoko highlighted that the legislation would support conflict resolution between farmers and herders, guarantee socio-economic and environmental compliance, and encourage collaboration among federal, state, and local governments.
“It will modernize livestock farming by establishing dedicated, legally recognized ranches. It will facilitate coordination between federal and state governments and local councils in managing ranching projects while respecting constitutional provisions and land tenure laws,” he stated.
The senator added that the bill protects the rights of individuals, communities, and other stakeholders involved in land allocation for ranching. It also addresses livestock welfare, disease control, and dispute resolution, while encouraging private sector participation through incentives and partnerships.
Furthermore, 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 growth.
“The bill establishes legal mechanisms for licensing, regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of ranching standards, while providing statutory processes to resolve disputes arising from ranching operations,” Nwoko explained.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, Nwoko described the proposal as a transformative step toward enhancing Nigeria’s national food security and promoting sustainable livestock production across the country.
