Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has proposed a bill aimed at establishing modern ranches in all 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to tackle open grazing, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and enhance food security across 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,” is currently before the Senate.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday, Nwoko who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, said the bill is designed to lay down a comprehensive legal framework for modern livestock farming nationwide.
Key Objectives of the Bill:
End Open Grazing: By providing designated, regulated spaces for livestock rearing.
Promote Food Security: Through sustainable livestock production practices.
Modernize Livestock Farming: Encouraging a shift from traditional methods to organized ranching.
Reduce Conflicts: Especially between farmers and herders.
The proposed legislation includes the creation of a Ranch Management and Development Agency, which would oversee Regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, funding transparency and conflict resolution among stakeholders.
Nwoko explained that the bill allows for state-level input on land allocation, ensures compliance with land tenure laws, and respects the rights of individuals and communities regarding land use.
It also mandates equitable compensation and resettlement for those whose lands may be affected.
He added that the bill would encourage public-private partnerships in ranch development, set veterinary and livestock welfare standards, offer financial incentives to attract private sector investment, support job creation and economic growth in local communities, as well as provide a statutory mechanism for resolving disputes arising from ranching operations.
According to Nwoko, the bill also emphasizes environmental protection, ensuring that ranching projects align with national and global best practices in land use and animal health.
“The aim is to promote sustainable, regulated ranching practices across the country. This will not only boost food production and security but also reduce violent clashes between herders and farmers, which have become a major threat to national peace,” Nwoko said.
