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FG Denies Nationwide Ban On Open Grazing, Says Transition To Ranching Ongoing

The Federal Government has dismissed reports claiming that open grazing has been banned across the country, insisting that no such policy has been declared.

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the clarification on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, stating that the government is instead implementing a gradual and well-planned transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems.

According to the minister, Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering more than 4.5 million hectares. He explained that the Federal Government is working closely with state governments to revitalise and equip the reserves to make them conducive for pastoralists and livestock operators.

Mukhtar stressed that the transition plan is designed to provide workable alternatives that enhance productivity, reduce farmer-herder conflicts, and support a sustainable livestock economy. He noted that the initiative does not amount to an abrupt ban on open grazing.

“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,” he said.

The Ministry urged Nigerians to disregard misleading reports and rely on official communication channels for accurate updates on livestock development policies.