Abuja – The Federal Government on Tuesday announced a ban on open grazing by cattle rearers as part of a sweeping effort to curb the persistent farmers‑herders clashes that have plagued Nigeria. The announcement was made 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 lamented that the ongoing conflicts have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and the displacement of thousands of Nigerians. “Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardships, including the killing of innocent farmers and herders, as a result of open grazing. There is an urgent need to put a stop to this problem,” he said. He declared that open grazing is now considered a capital offence and urged cattle rearers to adopt ranching as a safer and more profitable alternative. “Ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business,” the minister added.
Highlighting the economic potential of the sector, Maiha said the ministry is positioning livestock development as the country’s second‑largest revenue earner after oil and gas. “We project the ministry to generate $74 billion in the next five years. So far, over $14 billion has been realized through the ongoing livestock initiatives,” he stated.
Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, who declared the council open, described the state as a hub for livestock production and said it was appropriate to host the inaugural National Council on Livestock Development there. The newly inaugurated council comprises livestock directors from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory and is tasked with overseeing the implementation of policies aimed at modernising and expanding Nigeria’s livestock sector.
