The Federal Government has refuted claims that it has banned open grazing nationwide, insisting that no such directive has been issued.
This clarification was provided in a statement by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Maiha explained that the government is instead rolling out a phased and carefully planned shift from open grazing to modern ranching systems. He noted that Nigeria has 273 gazetted grazing reserves spanning over 4.5 million hectares, and efforts are underway to rehabilitate and equip them in partnership with state governments so they can serve pastoralists and other livestock operators effectively.
He added that the transition strategy is not an immediate ban on open grazing, but a gradual shift designed to provide workable options that improve livestock productivity, lessen farmer–herder tensions, and support a more sustainable livestock sector.
He emphasised that the goal is to modernise the livestock sector by strengthening the grazing reserves, ensuring they function as organised business hubs where pastoralists can operate efficiently and sustainably.
“Pastoralists, like every other economic group, require a structured business environment. The grazing reserves provided by law are meant to serve as business premises for all livestock activities. Our responsibility is to upgrade these reserves and facilitate their proper utilisation,” he stated.
Maiha urged Nigerians to dismiss misleading reports and rely on official government channels for accurate policy updates.