Senator Ned Nwoko has called for the establishment and management of ranches across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to strengthen food security and modernise livestock farming.
Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, said the proposal is contained in a bill currently before the Senate. 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, the legislation seeks to promote sustainable livestock production, curb open grazing, and reduce conflicts between farmers and herders.
According to him, the bill provides for the creation of a Ranch Management and Development Agency that will oversee regulatory compliance, enforce sustainable practices, and resolve disputes among stakeholders. It also outlines state-level roles in land allocation, environmental safeguards, and transparent funding mechanisms through public-private partnerships.
“The legislation will modernise livestock farming through dedicated and legally recognised ranches, ensure cooperation across federal, state, and local governments, and protect community rights under the Land Use Act,” Nwoko explained.
He stressed that the bill would integrate ranching into local economies, create jobs, and guarantee the welfare and disease control of livestock through compliance with veterinary standards. It also makes provisions for equitable compensation and resettlement where lands are acquired for ranching projects.
Nwoko, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, emphasised that the ranching framework would advance environmental sustainability, attract private sector investment, and significantly contribute to national food security.