By Deborah Coker
Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) has called for the establishment, development and management of ranches across all 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to enhance food security across the country.
Nwoko, who represents the Delta North Senatorial District in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja, on Monday said that his proposal is contained 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 sought to establish a robust legal framework for the development, establishment, and management of ranches across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria.
The lawmaker, who is the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, said it was also aimed at promoting modern livestock farming, curbing open grazing, and enhancing food security.
He noted 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.
‘’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.
Nwoko who is the Chairman, 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.
He 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 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.’’
The senator further said that it would ensure equitable compensation and resettlement of individuals and communities whose lands were acquired for the purposes of implementing the Act, and also promote economic development and employment generation through the integration of ranching activities into local economies.
(NAN)