…Says transition to ranching is ongoing
The Federal Government has dismissed reports claiming it has imposed a nationwide ban on open-grazing, describing them as false and misleading.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said no such policy had been announced. Instead, he explained, the government is pursuing a phased and carefully planned transition from open-grazing to modern ranching systems.
Mukhtar revealed that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves spanning more than 4.5 million hectares. According to him, the Federal Government is collaborating with state governments to revitalise and equip these reserves, making them viable for pastoralists and livestock operators.
He stressed that the transition plan would not abolish open grazing abruptly but would provide practical alternatives aimed at boosting productivity, reducing farmer-herder conflicts, and fostering a more sustainable livestock economy.
“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”, Mukhtar stated.
The Ministry urged Nigerians to disregard misleading media reports and rely on official communication channels for updates on livestock development policies.
