No Ban on Open Grazing, FG Clarifies — Livestock Minister Sets Record Straight on National Livestock Policy

The Federal Government has dismissed widespread reports suggesting that open grazing has been banned nationwide, describing such claims as incorrect and misleading. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, issued the clarification on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, emphasizing that the administration has not implemented any blanket prohibition on open grazing in Nigeria.

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Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Maiha explained that the government’s livestock policy is focused on a gradual, structured, and realistic transition from traditional open grazing to a modernized ranching system. He stressed that such a shift must be carefully planned, inclusive, and supported by adequate infrastructure before it can be fully implemented.

According to the Minister, the federal government is committed to transforming the livestock sector, but such transformation cannot be achieved through sudden or forceful policy changes that may disrupt livelihoods and create unintended tensions.

Gazetted Grazing Reserves to Drive Reform

Maiha revealed that Nigeria currently has 273 legally gazetted grazing reserves, covering over 4.5 million hectares of land. These reserves, he notes, were created by law and remain recognized as designated areas for livestock activities. Rather than abolish open grazing overnight, the government intends to rehabilitate, expand, and modernize these reserves to serve as organized hubs for sustainable livestock production.

He noted that many of the grazing reserves had suffered years of neglect, encroachment, and underdevelopment, making them unattractive to pastoralists and investors. The Renewed Hope administration, he said, is now working with state governments, private sector partners, and international development agencies to upgrade them with critical infrastructure such as water sources, veterinary clinics, improved pasture, security architecture, and access roads.

“Our direction is clear,” Maiha stated. “Pastoralists, like all other economic actors, need a conducive business environment. The legally gazetted grazing reserves are their business premises. Our responsibility is to transform these spaces into productive and modern livestock enclaves where herders, ranchers, and other stakeholders can thrive.”

A Gradual Transition, Not an Abrupt Ban

The Minister reiterated that the government’s livestock reform agenda does not translate into an immediate ban on open grazing. Instead, it seeks to create sustainable alternatives that pastoralists can adopt without economic shock or social dislocation. He warned that abrupt bans, without viable replacements, could fuel conflict, strain food supply systems, and worsen farmer-herder tensions.

“Our policy is not about shutting down one system abruptly,” he explained. “Rather, it is about building a new system that is functional, sustainable, business-oriented, and acceptable to the communities involved.”

He added that the transition plan includes training programs for pastoralists on better livestock management practices, access to credit facilities, the introduction of improved breeds, and the gradual integration of modern ranching models across the country.

Reducing Conflicts and Boosting Productivity

The Minister highlighted that one of the key goals of the livestock sector reforms is to drastically reduce clashes between farmers and herders—incidents that have affected food security and community peace for years. By upgrading the grazing reserves and promoting settled ranching systems, the government aims to minimise the movement of cattle across farmlands, farmlands, and densely populated areas.

“Every modern livestock economy relies on structured systems,” he said. “Nigeria cannot be an exception. When we reduce unnecessary movement and improve productivity through modern systems, everyone benefits—pastoralists, farmers, and consumers.”

Beyond peace and security, Maiha noted that the modernization of the livestock sector is expected to stimulate the economy by increasing dairy and beef production, creating jobs in the value chain, and attracting private investment.

Public Urged to Ignore False Reports

The Ministry of Livestock Development urged Nigerians to disregard misleading claims about a nationwide ban on open grazing. Maiha emphasized that all official policy announcements are issued directly by the ministry and other authorized federal agencies.

“We urge the media and the public to rely only on verified information. False reports do not help the reform process and may create unnecessary tension,” he cautioned.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, inclusiveness, and collaboration with all stakeholders—including pastoralist groups, farmers’ associations, traditional institutions, and state governments.

Conclusion

The Federal Government’s message is clear: there is no nationwide ban on open grazing at this time. Instead, the focus is on a structured transition toward ranching and modern livestock management through the rehabilitation of gazetted grazing reserves and the implementation of long-term reforms.

As Nigeria moves toward a modern livestock economy, the government insists that the process will be gradual, humane, and sustainable, ensuring that no group is left behind and that the country ultimately benefits from increased productivity, reduced conflict, and a more stable agricultural sector.