The Federal Government has announced a sweeping nationwide ban on open grazing, marking a decisive turn in efforts to resolve Nigeria’s longstanding herder–farmer crisis. The policy was unveiled by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, during the inaugural meeting of the National Council on Livestock Development held in Yola, Adamawa State.
Maiha said the government could no longer ignore the violent clashes linked to open grazing, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction in rural communities.
He described the escalating conflict as a national security threat and disclosed that, under new livestock regulations, open grazing has now been classified as a capital offence.
According to the minister, herders must transition to ranching, which he described as a safer, more productive, and more sustainable system for both pastoralists and their host communities.
He noted that the government’s long-term vision is to transform livestock into Nigeria’s second-largest revenue earner after oil and gas, with a projected potential of up to $74 billion within five years.
Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, welcomed the development, stressing that effective implementation of the ban could restore stability in conflict-ravaged rural areas. She said the establishment of the National Council on Livestock Development would drive modernisation, enforce compliance, and support the rollout of ranching nationwide.
The Federal Government says the ban marks a new chapter in rebuilding trust, safeguarding lives, and repositioning livestock production as a major pillar of Nigeria’s economic growth.
