By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
Senator Ned Nwoko has sponsored a bill seeking to establish modern ranches across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory, aimed at ending open grazing and strengthening food security.
The proposed law, titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Establishment, Development, and Management of Ranches,” advocates a transition from open grazing to a sustainable and organized livestock system.
Nwoko explained that the bill would promote modern livestock farming while providing a clear legal framework for land allocation, environmental protection, and transparent funding through public-private partnerships.
He added that the bill proposes the creation of a Ranch Management and Development Agency to regulate operations, enforce compliance, and mediate disputes.
According to the senator, the legislation offers a comprehensive solution to recurring farmer-herder clashes, safeguards the rights of stakeholders, ensures animal welfare, and enhances Nigeria’s food production capacity.
