The Federal Government on Tuesday dismissed reports claiming it had imposed a nationwide ban on open grazing, insisting that no such policy has been declared.
The Ministry of Livestock Development, in a statement signed by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, said the Minister, Alhaji Idi Maiha, only reaffirmed that the country is currently undergoing a phased transition from traditional open grazing to modern ranching systems.
According to the ministry, the transition plan is designed to be systematic rather than abrupt, given the country’s existing livestock infrastructure and economic realities.
Uchechukwu explained that Nigeria has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering more than 4.5 million hectares, which the Federal Government is now revitalising in partnership with state governments.
“These reserves are being upgraded to accommodate pastoralists and other livestock operators as part of the broader livestock modernisation agenda,” the statement read.
Maiha stressed that the transition programme is aimed at reducing farmer–herder conflicts, boosting livestock productivity, and creating a sustainable business environment for pastoralists.
“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 minister was quoted as saying.
He added that pastoralists, like other economic actors, deserve well-structured business spaces that guarantee security and profitability.
“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,” Maiha said.
The Ministry urged Nigerians to disregard misleading media reports and rely solely on official government channels for updates on livestock development policies.
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