The Federal Government has dismissed widespread media reports suggesting it has issued a nationwide ban on open grazing, explaining that it is instead pursuing a phased transition to modern ranching systems.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, provided the clarification yesterday, noting that the government had not announced any policy banning open grazing. He said the current focus is on upgrading and efficiently utilising Nigeria’s extensive grazing reserves.
“The government is implementing a gradual, well-structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems,” Maiha stated. “Pastoralists, like every other economic group, require a structured business environment.”
He highlighted that the country has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering more than 4.5 million hectares. According to him, the Federal Government is collaborating with state governments to revitalise and equip these reserves, ensuring they become conducive for pastoralists and other livestock operators.
Maiha stressed that the transition plan does not amount to an immediate ban on open grazing but aims to provide viable, sustainable alternatives that support both economic stability and national security.
In a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, the public was urged to disregard misleading reports and rely on official government channels for verified information.
