The Federal Government of Nigeria has clarified that it has not imposed any nationwide ban on open grazing, saying Nigeria is instead undergoing a gradual shift toward modern ranching systems, Okay News reports.
The clarification came on Tuesday in a statement signed by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. He noted that the Minister, Alhaji Idi Maiha, confirmed that no such ban has been announced by the government.
According to the Ministry, the current policy direction is a structured transition, designed to modernise livestock production, reduce violent conflicts, and support a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
“The government is implementing a gradual, structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems,” the Ministry said.
Uchechukwu added that Nigeria has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering more than 4.5 million hectares, and these will play a major role in the transformation plan. The Federal Government is working with state governments to revitalise these reserves and equip them for full livestock activities.
The statement stressed that the transition is not an abrupt abolition. Instead, it introduces viable alternatives 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 Ministry added.
Minister Maiha explained that pastoralists, like other business groups, require proper structural support to operate effectively. “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 urged Nigerians to rely on official channels for accurate updates on livestock policies and to disregard misleading reports circulating on social media.
Okay News reports that Nigeria has, over the years, explored various reforms aimed at reducing farmer herder clashes, boosting productivity, and modernising the livestock economy. Earlier initiatives included the National Livestock Transformation Plan and the controversial RUGA scheme, which several southern states rejected over land and security concerns.
In recent months, the newly re-established Ministry of Livestock Development has frequently reiterated that open grazing will be phased out gradually, not through a sudden nationwide prohibition.
