- Federal Government Denies Imposing Nationwide Open Grazing Ban
- FG Clarifies Open Grazing Policy, Says No Nationwide Ban Issued
- No National Open Grazing Ban, Government Insists
The Federal Government on Tuesday denied reports claiming it had introduced a nationwide ban on open grazing, stressing that no such policy has been announced.
The clarification came through a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, following widespread media claims suggesting that open grazing had been outlawed.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that
According to the ministry, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, confirmed that the government is pursuing a gradual, structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems rather than enforcing an outright prohibition.
Uchechukwu noted that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering more than 4.5 million hectares, which are being revived in collaboration with state authorities to support the transition.
The statement added, “The transition plan does not abolish open grazing overnight but provides viable alternatives that support productivity, reduce conflicts, and promote a sustainable livestock ecosystem.”
The government explained that its strategy focuses on providing pastoralists with modernised infrastructure and upgraded livestock management systems to enhance efficiency and reduce farmer-herder clashes.
Maiha emphasised the need to professionalise livestock activities to align with global standards. He stated, “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.”
The minister added that pastoralists, like other economic groups, are expected to operate within a structured and sustainable system.
The ministry urged the public to dismiss misleading publications and rely on verified government platforms for accurate updates on livestock development programmes.
