Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North in the National Assembly, has called on the Federal Government to establish, develop, and manage ranches across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to strengthen food security.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Nwoko said his proposal is contained in a bill 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, to Promote Modern Livestock Farming, Curb Open Grazing, Enhance Food Security, and for Related Matters.”

The Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment explained that the legislation seeks to provide a comprehensive framework for modern livestock farming, reduce conflicts associated with open grazing, and enhance food security nationwide.

According to him, the bill outlines the establishment of a Ranch Management and Development Agency that will oversee regulatory compliance, enforce sustainable practices, and mediate disputes between stakeholders.

“It will help modernise livestock farming, facilitate cooperation between all tiers of government, and ensure respect for land tenure laws,” he said.

Nwoko added that the legislation would provide clear guidelines on land allocation, environmental sustainability, funding transparency through public-private partnerships, and equitable compensation for communities whose lands may be acquired.

The bill also makes provisions for livestock welfare, veterinary health, and disease control, while creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in ranch development.

The senator, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, stressed that the law would promote economic development, job creation, and national food security by integrating sustainable ranching systems into local economies.

Source: Independence