BREAKING: FG Denies Banning Open Cattle Grazing

The Federal Government has dismissed widespread reports suggesting that open grazing has been outlawed across the country, insisting that no such directive has been issued.

 

Instead, authorities say Nigeria is pursuing a phased and carefully planned transition from traditional open grazing practices to modern, commercially viable ranching systems.

 

The clarification was issued by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, amid rising speculation triggered by media publications claiming that the Tinubu administration had implemented an outright nationwide prohibition of open grazing. The reports had since sparked mixed reactions, particularly from pastoral communities, farmer associations, state governments, and civil society advocates.

 

In a statement signed by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Maiha urged the public to ignore what he described as misleading interpretations of the government’s livestock development agenda. He emphasized that the administration’s focus is on reform, modernization, and long-term sustainability, not abrupt bans.

 

According to the minister, Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves, covering more than 4.5 million hectares of land. These reserves, many of which have been abandoned or poorly maintained over the years, form the backbone of the government’s plan to transition pastoralists into organized, well-serviced livestock production hubs.

 

“The Federal Government has not announced any national ban on open grazing,” Maiha clarified. “What we are implementing is a gradual, well-structured transformation that supports pastoralists, enhances productivity, reduces conflicts, and builds a modern livestock ecosystem that works for all stakeholders.”

 

Reforming an Age-Old System

 

For decades, open grazing has been the dominant method of cattle rearing in Nigeria, practiced mostly by pastoral communities who move herds across long distances in search of pasture and water. However, the system has increasingly resulted in clashes between farmers and herders, destruction of farmlands, banditry infiltration, and widespread insecurity, particularly in the North Central region.

 

The new ministry, established by President Bola Tinubu in 2024, was created specifically to address these long-standing issues and reposition the livestock sector into a structured economic contributor comparable to agriculture, telecommunications, and oil.

 

Maiha, in his latest clarification, said that the goal is to offer “viable alternatives” rather than impose sudden restrictions that could destabilize pastoral livelihoods or worsen national food supply pressures.

 

Grazing Reserves as Business Zones

 

The minister stressed that pastoralists, like all other economic groups, deserve access to a structured business environment. He explained that grazing reserves legally provided by government are intended to function as “business premises” where all livestock-related activities—from rearing to processing—can be carried out in an organized manner.

 

“The government’s responsibility is to upgrade these reserves, provide essential infrastructure, and facilitate their proper utilization,” Maiha noted. “Pastoralists should have access to water, pasture, veterinary services, security, and markets. That is how to build a sustainable livestock economy.”

 

He argued that open grazing persists largely because pastoral communities have not been provided with functioning alternatives, an issue the ministry is now working to address.

 

A Gradual Transition, Not an Abrupt Ban

 

One of the major concerns fueling the misinformation, according to ministry officials, is the assumption that ranching will be imposed overnight. Experts say that such an abrupt shift is unrealistic and could have severe economic consequences, especially considering Nigeria’s estimated 23 million cattle population and the millions of pastoral families who rely on open grazing for survival.

 

Maiha reiterated that the transition will be inclusive, phased, and supported by state governments, development partners, and private investors.

 

“This is not about forcing anyone into ranching. It is about creating choices that make economic sense,” he said. “Open grazing will naturally reduce as ranching becomes more attractive and viable.”

 

State Governments as Key Partners

 

The minister confirmed that discussions are ongoing with several state governments—owners of land under Nigeria’s constitution—to rehabilitate and equip grazing reserves within their territories. Some states, particularly in the North, have already indicated readiness to partner with the Federal Government on the initiative.

 

The ministry is also designing incentives for private sector-led ranches, livestock processing centers, and milk collection hubs that would reduce Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported dairy products.

 

Public Urged to Ignore Misleading Reports

 

In its statement, the Ministry of Livestock Development urged citizens, media organizations, and stakeholders to rely solely on official government channels for updates on livestock policy. It emphasized that misreporting sensitive issues like open grazing could escalate tensions, deepen mistrust, or undermine reform efforts.

 

“The public should disregard false claims about an open grazing ban,” the statement read. “The administration remains committed to transparency and will communicate policy changes clearly and responsibly.”

 

Reactions and Broader Implications

 

Analysts note that the clarification was necessary, given the political and ethnic sensitivities surrounding open grazing. Over the years, several states—including Benue, Ekiti, Oyo, Ondo, and Rivers—have passed anti-open-grazing laws to curb farmer-herder clashes. These laws remain valid and enforceable at the state level, regardless of federal positions.

 

However, the Federal Government’s latest stance suggests that national livestock reform will rely more on incentives and infrastructure than coercion, a development many experts say could lead to more sustainable outcomes.

 

Livestock economists have long argued that Nigeria’s cattle rearing model is outdated, inefficient, and unable to support modern meat and dairy demand. They believe that ranching—if properly funded and regulated—could revolutionize the sector by improving yields, reducing conflict, and creating jobs.

 

Government’s Long-Term Vision

 

Minister Maiha reiterated that the end goal is a livestock sector that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy, provides food security, attracts investment, and minimizes conflicts between farmers and herders.

 

“At the heart of our reform is the need to modernize, not marginalize,” he said. “We want a livestock system that is peaceful, productive, and profitable for everyone.”