The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on open grazing, introducing one of the most decisive policy actions yet to address the long-running herder–farmer crisis.
The decision, which marks a major shift in Nigeria’s livestock management system, was revealed 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 explained that the Federal Government could no longer overlook the increasing violence linked to open grazing.
He noted that countless communities had suffered devastating losses—ranging from deaths to the destruction of farmlands and homes—because of recurring clashes between farmers and herders across different regions of the country.
According to him, the pattern of attacks and reprisals had become a national security threat demanding urgent intervention.
The minister described the new policy as a turning point, stressing that open grazing is now considered a capital offence under the revised livestock regulations.
He urged herders to adopt ranching immediately, pointing out that modern ranching practices are safer, more productive, and far more beneficial to both herders and host communities.
He emphasised that ranching would help reduce conflicts, improve the health and weight of cattle, and open doors to commercial opportunities within the livestock sector
