26 November, 2025
Fresh clarification has emerged from the Federal Government dismissing reports that a nationwide prohibition on open grazing has been declared.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, said no such policy had been introduced by the ministry.
Uchechukwu noted that the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, has not announced any ban, stressing that government plans remain centred on a phased migration toward modern ranching.
Rather than an outright prohibition, the ministry explained that ongoing reforms aim to establish a structured and gradual shift from open grazing to more sustainable livestock practices.
Available figures from the ministry show that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves with a combined size of over 4.5 million hectares.
Further details revealed that the Federal Government is working with state authorities to rehabilitate and equip the reserves, making them functional for pastoralists and other livestock operators.
“The transition plan does not eliminate open grazing at once but introduces workable options that enhance productivity, minimise conflicts and build a sustainable livestock sector,” the ministry stated.
Maiha added that pastoralists need a well-defined business environment like other economic actors in the country.
He pointed out that the grazing reserves, which are backed by law, are intended to serve as organised operational hubs for livestock activities, while government works to upgrade and facilitate their effective use.
