From Victor Osula, Abuja
The lawmaker representing Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko, has sponsored a bill seeking the establishment and management of ranches across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Nwoko said the bill, which is currently before the Senate, is designed to curb open grazing, modernise livestock farming, and strengthen food security nationwide.
He explained that the proposed legislation provides for the creation of a Ranch Management and Development Agency to oversee regulation, compliance, and dispute resolution.
Nwoko, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, said the bill would also promote public-private partnerships, ensure environmental sustainability, and safeguard land rights under the Land Use Act.
According to him, the initiative will help reduce farmer-herder clashes, create jobs, and boost Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
He urged federal, state, and local governments to support its implementation once passed into law for the benefit of all Nigerians.
