The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on open grazing as part of efforts to end persistent conflicts between farmers and herders.
The policy was disclosed on Tuesday by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, during the inauguration of the first National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State.
Maiha said the long-standing crisis has caused significant loss of lives and livelihoods, displacing families and damaging farmlands and livestock. He noted that both farmers and herders have suffered greatly from the violence linked to open grazing.
He revealed that open grazing has now been classified as a capital offence, urging herders to fully embrace ranching. According to him, ranching not only enhances safety but also boosts cattle quality and productivity.
Maiha added that the livestock industry has huge economic potential, stating that government targets about $74 billion in revenue in the next five years, with more than $14 billion already realized from ongoing programmes.
Speaking at the event, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, highlighted the state’s strong livestock base, making it an ideal host for the council’s maiden meeting.
The newly established National Council on Livestock Development comprises livestock directors from all 36 states and the FCT. Its mandate includes driving reforms, overseeing policy implementation, and accelerating the modernization of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
