The Federal Government has officially banned open grazing nationwide, declaring it a capital offense and urging herders to adopt ranching as a solution to persistent farmer–herder violence.
The Federal Government has outlawed open grazing nationwide in a major effort to end years of deadly clashes between farmers and herders, with the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, announcing during the inauguration of the National Council on Livestock Development that “Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardships, including the killing of innocent farmers and herders, as a result of open grazing.”
Describing the practice as a capital offense, Maiha urged herders to fully transition to structured ranching systems that enhance safety and productivity, adding that “ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business.”
He highlighted the sector’s economic potential, noting projections of $74 billion in revenue within five years and over $14 billion already generated, while the newly formed council is tasked with driving reforms and modernizing Nigeria’s livestock industry.