Senator Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta North) has proposed for the establishment, development and management of ranches across all 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory.
Naijaonpoint reports that the lawmaker stated that this would enhance food security across the country.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria Abuja, on Monday, Nwoko said that his proposal is contained in a 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, to Promote Modern Livestock Farming, Curb Open Grazing, Enhance Food Security, and for Related Matters,” currently before the Senate.
According to him, the Bill seek to establish a robust legal framework for the development, establishment, and management of ranches across all 774 Local Government Areas and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.
He said it was also aimed at promoting modern livestock farming, curbing open grazing, and enhancing food security, noting that the legislation would similarly provide for state-level approvals for land allocation, environmental sustainability in ranch projects, and the transparent management of funding, primarily through public-private partnerships.
Nwoko said: “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.”
He 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.
He added “The legislation will establish legal mechanisms for the licensing, regulation, monitoring, and enforcement of ranching standards, as prescribed under this Act.
According to him, 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 recognise 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.”
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