By Deborah Coker

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, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday that his proposal is contained in a bill currently before the Senate.

The bill is 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”.

He explained that the legislation seeks to establish a robust legal framework for ranch development and management nationwide.

The lawmaker, who is Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, said the bill also aims to promote modern livestock farming, curb open grazing, and strengthen food security.

According to him, it makes provisions for state-level approvals for land allocation, environmental sustainability in ranch projects, and transparent funding through public-private partnerships.

“It also outlines the establishment of a Ranch Management and Development Agency to provide regulatory oversight, enforce compliance, and implement sustainable ranching practices.

“It will address conflict resolution mechanisms to mediate disputes among stakeholders while ensuring compliance with strict environmental and socio-economic guidelines,” he said.

Nwoko, who is also Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, said the bill would regulate ranching operations and related activities to prevent and resolve conflicts, especially between farmers and herders.

He added that it would promote the modernisation of livestock farming practices, ensure federal, state, and local government collaboration, and uphold constitutional provisions and land tenure laws.

“It will protect the rights of individuals, communities, and other stakeholders in the allocation and use of land for ranching, in line with the Land Use Act and other legislation.

“It will also advance environmental sustainability by ensuring compliance with prescribed standards for establishing and operating ranches,” he said.

Nwoko said the legislation further provides for the welfare, health, and disease control of livestock, the resolution of disputes through statutory mechanisms, and recognition of ranching standards under the law.

He noted that the bill would also create an enabling environment for private sector participation in ranch development, including incentives and partnerships, while enhancing national food security through sustainable livestock production.

According to him, it will ensure fair compensation and resettlement of individuals and communities whose lands are acquired for ranching projects.

It will also promote economic development and job creation by integrating ranching into local economies.

Edited by Sadiya Hamza