Nigeria’s Federal Government has denied reports of banned open grazing nationwide.
The denial came after widespread confusion spread across media platforms, causing mixed reactions from both farmers and pastoralists.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the claims were false.
He explained that the government is not enforcing an immediate ban.
Instead, it is taking a careful and gradual approach to change Nigeria’s livestock system.
According to the Minister, the current plan focuses on a transition to modern ranching.
He stressed that the shift will take time because pastoralists need working systems that support their businesses.
Moreover, he urged Nigerians to rely on official sources to avoid unnecessary tension.
Mukhtar explained that Nigeria has more than 273 gazetted grazing reserves.
These reserves cover over 4.5 million hectares across several states.
In addition, the Federal Government is already working with state governments to upgrade these reserves.
The goal is to make them useful for livestock operators and safer for nearby communities.
He noted that the transition plan aims to reduce farmer-herder clashes.
Furthermore, he added that the government wants to create a livestock economy that helps both herders and farmers.
The Minister stated, “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 stressed that open grazing will not be ended overnight.
Therefore, the process will move step by step as the reserves are improved and modern ranching becomes easier to adopt.
This approach fits the broader livestock development goals set by the government.
Meanwhile, he warned Nigerians to ignore confusing media reports.
He noted that many stories online left out key details about the livestock transition plan.
The Minister said officials will continue updating the public as major steps are taken toward a stable ranching model.
