From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Government has debunked reports claiming that open grazing has been banned across the country, insisting that no such policy has been announced.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Ministry said the clarification followed “misleading media reports” suggesting that open grazing had been abolished.
According to Uchechukwu, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, explained that the government is instead implementing a phased and structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems as part of ongoing livestock sector reforms.
He disclosed that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering more than 4.5 million hectares, and efforts are underway to revitalise and equip these reserves in collaboration with state governments.
“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 noted.
Maiha stressed the need for a well-organised business environment for pastoralists and livestock operators, saying the gazetted grazing reserves remain lawful operational spaces that government is now working to modernise.
“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 disregard unverified reports and rely on official communication channels for accurate updates on the government’s livestock development policies.
