The Federal Government has dismissed reports claiming that a nationwide ban on open grazing has taken effect, saying the country is only moving gradually toward a full ranching system.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, who noted that the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, has not announced any such policy.
According to the statement, “the government is implementing a gradual, structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems,” adding that the approach is designed to prevent disruption and give pastoralists clear alternatives that support their businesses.
Uchechukwu explained that Nigeria has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering more than 4.5 million hectares, and the Federal Government is working with state governments to revive and equip the reserves for cattle farmers and other livestock operators.
“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 statement said.
Maiha stressed that pastoralists deserve an organised business environment that helps them operate without conflict. “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,” he said.
The ministry advised the public to ignore misleading reports and follow official government communication channels for updates on livestock development policies.
The government had previously introduced the National Livestock Transformation Plan to encourage ranching and reduce clashes between farmers and herders. The plan also proposed rural grazing areas known as RUGA, although it faced opposition in several southern states over land and security concerns.
The newly re-established Ministry of Livestock Development has in recent months renewed the push for a gradual phaseout of open grazing, while maintaining that the shift to ranching will not happen immediately.
