FG denies nationwide ban on open grazing, reaffirms gradual shift to ranching

FG denies nationwide ban on open grazing, reaffirms gradual shift to ranching

The Federal Government has clarified that it has not imposed a nationwide ban on open grazing, insisting instead that Nigeria is undergoing a gradual transition to modern ranching systems. The clarification was issued in a statement on Tuesday by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.

According to the Ministry, Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, did not announce any such ban, stressing that the government’s livestock reforms aim for a structured and sustainable shift rather than abrupt prohibition.
Uchechukwu noted that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering more than 4.5 million hectares, and efforts are underway with state governments to revitalise these reserves for use by pastoralists and 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.

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The Minister emphasized that pastoralists, like other economic actors, require a structured operating environment. He explained that legally established grazing reserves are designed to function as business hubs for livestock activities, adding that the government is committed to upgrading them for full utilisation.

The Ministry also urged Nigerians to disregard misleading claims and rely solely on official communication channels for accurate updates on livestock policies.

This clarification comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts under the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), designed to modernise animal husbandry, curb farmer–herder conflicts, boost productivity, and foster economic alignment. Earlier initiatives such as the proposed RUGA settlements, aimed at creating dedicated grazing and housing areas for herders, faced pushback from several states over land and security concerns.

With the restoration of the Ministry of Livestock Development, the Federal Government reiterated that while open grazing will eventually give way to ranching, the change will be gradual and carefully managed rather than an immediate nationwide ban.

FG denies nationwide ban on open grazing, reaffirms gradual shift to ranching