Federal Government Bans Open Grazing Nationwide, Declares It a Capital Offense

Federal Government Bans Open Grazing Nationwide, Declares It a Capital Offense

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially banned open grazing across the country as part of renewed efforts to end the persistent farmers-herders conflicts that have destabilized many communities.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, during the inauguration of the 1st National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State.

Maiha said the ongoing clashes between farmers and herders have led to widespread loss of lives, destruction of property, and the displacement of thousands. He stressed that the era of uncontrolled cattle movement was over.

“Open grazing has exposed Nigerians to untold hardship, resulting in the killing of innocent farmers and herders. There is an urgent need to put a stop to this problem,” the minister stated.

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He emphasized that open grazing is now considered a capital offense, urging cattle owners to adopt ranching as a safer and more profitable modern livestock system. According to him, ranching would not only prevent violent conflicts but also improve cattle quality and boost returns for livestock owners.

Highlighting the sector’s economic potential, Maiha disclosed that the ministry is positioning livestock development as Nigeria’s second-largest revenue source after oil and gas. “We project the ministry to generate $74 billion in the next five years. So far, more than $14 billion has already been realized from ongoing livestock initiatives,” he revealed.

Declaring the event open, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, described the state as Nigeria’s hub for livestock production and said hosting the first national council in Adamawa was timely and strategic.

The newly established National Council on Livestock Development, comprising directors of livestock from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will oversee the implementation of new policies aimed at modernizing and expanding Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Federal Government Bans Open Grazing Nationwide, Declares It a Capital Offense