The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on open grazing in response to the long-standing herder-farmer crisis. This policy shift was revealed by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, during the inaugural meeting of the National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State.
Maiha emphasized that the government could no longer overlook the violence associated with open grazing, which has resulted in numerous deaths and destruction of properties across communities. He described the situation as a national security threat, declaring open grazing a capital offense under new livestock regulations.
Herders are urged to switch to ranching, which is seen as safer and more productive for both herders and host communities. The government aims to position livestock as Nigeria’s second-largest revenue source after oil and gas, with potential contributions of up to $74 billion in five years.
Adamawa State Deputy Governor Professor Kaletapwa Farauta expressed support for the ban, noting that proper implementation could stabilize conflict-affected rural communities. The new council will oversee ranching policies and ensure compliance to modernize the livestock sector.
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