Senator Ned Nwoko has advocated for the establishment, development, and administration of ranches in all 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory to improve food security throughout the country.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday, Nwoko, who represents the Delta North Senatorial District, stated that his idea is included in a bill currently before the Senate.
He said that the proposal is ‘’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 Bill aims to create a strong legal framework for the development, establishment, and management of ranches in all 774 Local Government Areas and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
The legislator, who is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, stated that it was also intended to promote modern cattle production, reduce open grazing, and improve food security.
Nwoko added that the legislation will also include state-level permits for land distribution, environmental sustainability in ranch projects, and transparent finance management, particularly through public-private partnerships.
“It also outlines the establishment of a dedicated Ranch Management and Development Agency responsible for regulatory oversight, compliance enforcement, and implementation of sustainable ranching practices.
‘’It will address conflict resolution mechanisms to mediate disputes among stakeholders, while ensuring compliance with stringent environmental and socio-economic guidelines,’’ Nwoko said.
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Nwoko, who chairs the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, further said that the bill would ensure the regulation of ranching operations and related activities to prevent, mitigate, and resolve conflicts arising from open grazing, particularly those between farmers and herders.
‘’ It will help promote the modernisation of livestock farming practices through the establishment of dedicated and legally recognised ranches.
‘’Facilitate cooperation between the federal and state governments as well as local government councils in the implementation and administration of ranching projects, while respecting constitutional provisions and land tenure laws.
‘’It will also protect and promote the rights of individuals, communities, and other stakeholders in the allocation, acquisition, and use of land for ranching purposes in a manner consistent with the Land Use Act and other relevant legislation,’’ he said.
The lawmaker added that it would advance environmental sustainability by ensuring compliance with prescribed environmental standards in the establishment and operation of ranches under this act.
“The legislation will establish legal mechanisms for the licensing, regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of ranching standards, as prescribed under this Act.
According to Nwoko, it will provide for the welfare, health, and disease control of livestock within ranches in accordance with veterinary laws and best practices.
“Facilitate the resolution of disputes arising from ranching operations through statutory processes and legally recognised mechanisms under this Act.
“Create an enabling environment for private sector participation in ranch development and management, including provisions for financial incentives and partnerships, as well as enhance national food security through the promotion of sustainable livestock production systems and related agricultural activities.’’
The senator also stated that it would ensure equitable compensation and resettlement for individuals and communities whose lands were acquired for the purpose of implementing the Act, as well as promote economic development and job creation by integrating ranching activities into local economies.
