2027: PRP’s Muoneme Vows to End Cattle Roaming on Abuja Roads, Promises Ranching Law

2027: PRP’s Muoneme Vows to End Cattle Roaming on Abuja Roads, Promises Ranching Law

The 2027 senatorial candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Juliet Muoneme, has pledged to sponsor legislation to regulate cattle movement and end the roaming of cows on Abuja streets and major roads if elected.

Muoneme made the commitment on Friday in Abuja during a media engagement with the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), describing the persistent presence of cattle on major roads as a threat to public safety that requires a comprehensive policy solution.

She said her proposed legislation would go beyond simply banning cattle from public roads, stressing the need to establish a structured livestock management system with designated ranches and appropriate facilities for cattle owners.

«“Not just stopping them from moving, but how do we take care of them too,” she said, arguing that the FCT has sufficient land to accommodate properly organised ranches.»

Open grazing and cattle roaming have remained longstanding challenges in Abuja despite previous efforts by the FCT Administration to restrict the practice. In 2021, the administration announced a ban on open grazing within the territory and proposed designated grazing areas.

However, the problem has persisted. In June 2026, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike apologised to residents over the continued presence of cattle on Abuja roads and said he accepted responsibility for the situation.

Muoneme said her proposed intervention would seek to balance the interests of residents and livestock owners, stressing that cattle should be viewed as economic assets rather than merely a source of inconvenience in an urban environment.

«“FCT is so wide, is so large that we can actually create ranches,” she said.»

According to her, organised ranching could unlock opportunities across the livestock value chain, including meat production, dairy, hides and skins, while reducing road accidents and other hazards associated with animals wandering onto busy roads.

The PRP candidate said her experience in livestock management had demonstrated that cattle could be kept in designated locations rather than being allowed to roam freely.

«“There will be two bills in one,” she said, explaining that her proposed legislative framework would combine the regulation of cattle movement with measures to promote proper livestock management.»

Muoneme stressed that the objective would not be to criminalise livestock ownership but to establish an organised system that protects residents while improving the welfare and economic prospects of cattle owners.

She said the proposal would form part of her broader FCT RISE Agenda, which she described as the framework for her representation if elected.

The agenda, according to her, focuses on Representation, Research, Innovation, Inclusion, Stewardship, Entrepreneurship and Empowerment, with attention to challenges affecting residents across the six area councils.

She said her priorities would include affordable housing, youth unemployment, skills development and improved access to economic opportunities.

On housing, Muoneme proposed stronger collaboration among government, private developers and financial institutions to expand access to decent and affordable accommodation through mortgage arrangements.

She also proposed the establishment of an automobile hub where mechanics, electricians and other professionals could operate while engineering graduates receive practical, hands-on training.

Muoneme, who has a background in education, research and human-capacity development, said her political ambition was driven by a desire to provide practical solutions to challenges confronting residents.

«“Politics is not dirty. Politics is about leadership. Politics is service,” she said.»

She maintained that an FCT senator should serve as a strong voice for residents across all six area councils and influence policies and projects capable of improving their quality of life.

Muoneme said regulating cattle movement would therefore form part of her broader agenda to promote urban order, strengthen the livestock economy, create employment opportunities and improve the quality of life in Nigeria’s capital.