- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Government has debunked reports claiming that open grazing has been banned nationwide.
This is coming amid several circulating in some media outlets on Tuesday over the alleged ban of open grazing by the by the Minister Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
As against the reports, Maiha, in a statement issued on the Ministry’s official X handle, clarified that no such policy has been announced.
Rather, the government had, according to the statement, implementing a gradual, well-structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems.
Maiha explained that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering over 4.5 million hectares.
He said the Federal Government is working closely with state governments to revitalise, equip, and make these reserves conducive for pastoralists and other livestock operators.
Maiha noted that the transition plan does not abolish open grazing overnight but provides viable alternatives that support productivity, reduce conflicts, and promote a sustainable livestock ecosystem.
“Pastoralists, like every other economic group, require a structured business environment.
“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.” The Minister said as quoted in the statement.
The Livestock Ministry urged the public to disregard misleading reports and rely on official government communication channels for accurate information on livestock development policies.