The Federal Government has firmly dismissed recent media reports alleging an immediate nationwide ban on open grazing, describing such claims as false and misleading.
Speaking through a statement issued by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press & Public Relations at the Ministry of Livestock Development, the Honourable Minister, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, clarified that no policy banning open grazing has been enacted.
Instead, the government is pursuing a carefully planned, gradual transition from traditional open grazing to contemporary ranching and modern livestock management systems.
“Nigeria already has 273 gazetted grazing reserves spanning more than 4.5 million hectares,” the Minister stated.
“The Federal Government is collaborating with state governments to rehabilitate, equip, and transform these reserves into functional, conducive environments for pastoralists and all livestock operators.”
Emphasizing that the transition will not be abrupt, the Minister explained that the strategy focuses on creating viable, productive alternatives that will boost livestock output, minimize farmer-herder clashes, and foster a sustainable livestock sector.
“Pastoralists, like farmers, traders, and every other economic group, deserve a structured business environment,” he added.
“The legally established grazing reserves are intended to serve as dedicated business premises for livestock activities. It is the government’s duty to upgrade these reserves and ensure they are properly utilized.”
The Ministry called on the public and media to disregard speculative reports and rely solely on official channels for accurate information regarding livestock development policies.
The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in measures to resolve longstanding farmer-herder conflicts and modernize Nigeria’s livestock industry.
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