BREAKING: FG Bans Open Grazing Nationwide, Unveils Strategy to End Farmers-Herders Clashes

• The Federal Government has officially banned open grazing across Nigeria, declaring it a capital offence and urging herders to adopt ranching as part of sweeping reforms to end farmers-herders clashes.

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on open grazing by cattle rearers as part of renewed efforts to end the long-standing farmers-herders conflicts that have claimed lives and destabilised rural communities.

The ban was announced on Tuesday by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, during the inauguration of the 1st National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State.

Maiha said the persistent clashes have resulted in widespread killings, destruction of farmlands, and displacement of thousands of citizens.
“Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardships, including the killing of innocent farmers and herders, as a result of open grazing. There is an urgent need to put a stop to this problem,” he said.

Open Grazing Now a Capital Offence

The minister declared that open grazing is now classified as a capital offence nationwide.
He urged cattle rearers to transition to ranching, which he described as a safer, more modern, and more profitable method of livestock production.

“Ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business,” Maiha added.

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Livestock Sector Targeted as Major Revenue Earner

Highlighting the economic opportunities within the livestock industry, Maiha said the government aims to position the sector as Nigeria’s second-largest revenue earner after oil and gas.

“We project the ministry to generate $74 billion in the next five years. So far, over $14 billion has been realized through the ongoing livestock initiatives,” he stated.

Adamawa Hosts First National Livestock Council

Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, who declared the council open, described the state as a major hub for livestock production, making it the ideal venue for the inaugural national meeting.

The newly established National Council on Livestock Development includes all directors of livestock from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The council is tasked with implementing policies that will modernise, regulate, and expand Nigeria’s livestock sector in line with global best practices.

The government says the ban and accompanying reforms mark a turning point in addressing one of Nigeria’s most persistent internal conflicts, with hopes that modern livestock management will bring peace and economic growth.