Nwoko Seeks Establishment of Ranches in All 774 LGAs
The push for modern livestock management in Nigeria gained traction on Monday as Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, introduced a bill seeking the establishment of cattle ranches in all 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory.
The proposed legislation, now before the Senate, outlines the creation of a Ranch Management and Development Agency, which would oversee the regulation, coordination, and development of ranches nationwide.
According to Nwoko, the measure is designed to phase out open grazing, a practice widely linked to conflicts between farmers and herders, as well as environmental degradation.
Speaking during the presentation, the senator argued that Nigeria must embrace modern livestock practices if it hopes to guarantee food security and reduce recurring clashes in agrarian communities.
“This bill is not just about ranches; it is about peace, jobs, and sustainable food production. Every local government should have a structured ranch to serve as a model for livestock farming,” he said.
The bill also proposes a public–private partnership framework to drive funding and management, with emphasis on ensuring that all projects comply with the Land Use Act to protect existing land rights.
Nwoko further urged federal, state, and local governments to collaborate on implementation, stressing that the benefits would include reduced insecurity, youth employment, and economic growth.
The senator’s proposal comes on the heels of earlier legislative moves. In June 2024, Senator Titus Zam of Benue North-West introduced a similar bill for the creation of a National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission. In December, the Senate also passed a resolution urging the Federal Government to establish modern ranches across the country while restricting the cross-border movement of cattle.
Despite the momentum, the idea has been met with caution in some quarters. Livestock experts and regional stakeholders have warned that siting ranches in every local government could inflame land disputes.
In the South-East, community leaders have openly rejected ranching proposals, citing mistrust of herders due to past violent encounters.
Still, Nwoko insists the long-term advantages outweigh the concerns. “We cannot continue with the old system that causes endless crises. Structured ranching is the way forward,” he maintained.
If passed, the bill would mark one of Nigeria’s most ambitious agricultural reforms in decades, reshaping how livestock is raised and potentially addressing one of the country’s most persistent sources of insecurity.
