The Federal Government has affirmed that it has not imposed a nationwide ban on open grazing contrary to reports in the media.
The FG said this in a statement on Tuesday by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, confirmed that he has not announced any no such policy has been announced.
“Instead, the government is implementing a gradual, structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems,” Uchechukwu said.
He added that Minister highlighted that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering over 4.5 million hectares.
The statement also indicated that the Federal Government is collaborating with state governments to revitalise and equip these reserves, making them conducive for pastoralists and other livestock operators.
“The transition plan does not abolish open grazing overnight but provides viable alternatives that support productivity, reduce conflicts, and promote a sustainable livestock ecosystem,” the statement said.
The minister emphasised that pastoralists, like other economic groups, 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 said.