FG Says No Nationwide Ban on Open Grazing, Clarifies Gradual Shift to Ranching
The Federal Government has debunked reports claiming it has imposed a nationwide ban on open grazing, insisting that Nigeria is instead transitioning gradually toward modern ranching systems.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, said the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, has not announced any such ban.
“Rather than an outright abolition, the government is implementing a gradual, structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems,” the statement noted.
According to Uchechukwu, the Minister explained that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves spanning more than 4.5 million hectares. The Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments, is working to revitalise and equip these reserves to support pastoralists and other livestock operators.
“The transition plan does not eliminate open grazing overnight but provides viable alternatives that enhance productivity, reduce conflicts, and promote a sustainable livestock ecosystem,” the Ministry said.
Maiha stressed that pastoralists, like other economic groups, require a stable and organised business environment.
“The grazing reserves provided by law are designed to serve as business premises for all livestock activities. Our duty is to upgrade these reserves and ensure their proper utilisation,” he added.
The Ministry urged the public to disregard misleading reports and rely on official communication channels for credible information on livestock development policies.
The Federal Government had previously introduced the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) to modernise livestock production by promoting ranching as a long-term alternative to open grazing, with the aim of reducing farmer–herder conflicts and improving productivity. The proposed RUGA settlements, however, triggered widespread controversy, especially among southern states, over land rights and security concerns.
With the re-established Ministry of Livestock Development, the government has again emphasised that open grazing will be phased out, but only through a gradual and structured process, not an immediate nationwide ban
