The Federal Government has formally banned open grazing nationwide as part of efforts to end the long-running farmers-herders conflict that has claimed lives and destroyed property across the country.
The announcement was made 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 described the recurring clashes between farmers and herders as a national tragedy that has led to widespread displacement and severe economic losses.
“Open grazing has subjected Nigerians to untold hardship, including the killing of innocent farmers and herders. There is an urgent need to bring this problem to an end,” the minister said.
He stressed that open grazing is now classified as a capital offense and urged herders to adopt ranching, which he described as safer, more profitable, and better suited for modern livestock management.
“Ranching will help prevent conflicts and also improve the quality and weight of cattle, making it a more sustainable business model,” he added.
Highlighting the sector’s economic potential, Maiha said the ministry is working to position livestock development as Nigeria’s second-largest revenue base after oil and gas.
“We project that the ministry will generate $74 billion in the next five years. So far, over $14 billion has already been realized through ongoing livestock initiatives,” he said.
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Declaring the council open, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, noted that the state remains a major livestock hub, making it a fitting location for the council’s inaugural meeting.
The newly established National Council on Livestock Development comprises directors of livestock from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The council is expected to coordinate and monitor policy implementation aimed at modernizing and expanding Nigeria’s livestock sector.
