Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The 2027 senatorial candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Juliet Muoneme, has promised to sponsor legislation to regulate cattle movement and end the roaming of cows on Abuja streets and major roads if elected.
Muoneme made the pledge on Friday in Abuja during a media engagement with the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), saying the persistent presence of cattle on major roads posed risks to residents and required a comprehensive policy solution.
She said her proposed legislation would go beyond banning cattle from public roads by establishing a structured system for livestock management, including designated ranches and 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 had enough land to accommodate properly organised ranches.
Cattle roaming has remained a longstanding challenge in Abuja despite previous efforts by the FCT Administration to restrict open grazing. In 2021, the administration announced a ban on open grazing within the territory and proposed designated grazing areas.
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 balance the interests of residents and livestock owners, stressing that cattle should be treated as economic assets rather than merely a source of urban inconvenience.
“FCT is so wide, is so large that we can actually create ranches,” she said.
According to her, organised ranching could create opportunities in meat production, dairy, hides and skins and other areas of the livestock value chain, while reducing accidents and other hazards caused by animals wandering across busy roads.
The PRP candidate said her experience in livestock management had shown that cattle could be kept in designated locations instead of being allowed to roam freely.
“There will be two bills in one,” she said, explaining that the proposed legislative framework would combine regulation of cattle movement with measures for proper livestock management.
Muoneme stressed that the objective would not be to criminalise livestock ownership but to create an organised system that protects residents while improving conditions for 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, she said, would focus on representation, research, innovation, inclusion, stewardship, entrepreneurship and empowerment.
Muoneme said it would address challenges affecting residents across the six area councils, including housing, youth unemployment, skills development and limited access to economic opportunities.
She proposed collaboration among government, private developers and financial institutions to expand access to affordable housing through mortgage arrangements.
She also proposed an automobile hub where mechanics, electricians and other professionals could operate while engineering graduates receive practical training.
Muoneme, who has a background in education, research and human-capacity development, said her ambition was driven by a desire to provide practical solutions to societal challenges.
“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 be part of her wider agenda to improve urban order, create economic opportunities and enhance the quality of life in the nation’s capital.
END
