The Federal Government of Nigeria has outlawed the open grazing of cattle across the country, making it an offence punishable by law. The decisive move, announced in Yola, Adamawa State, is part of a major strategic shift to modernise the livestock sector through ranching, which officials believe will resolve long-running farmer-herder conflicts and unlock massive economic potential.
Speaking at the inaugural National Council on Livestock Development, the Minister of Livestock Development, Mallam Idi Muktar Maiha, stated that open grazing had been a source of “unnecessary hiccups,” creating crises and causing “needless loss of lives” nationwide.
“It is an offence to be caught grazing openly,” the Minister declared, urging all cattle rearers to transition to ranching. He emphasised that this system is not only safer but will also result in “fatter cattle for business,” significantly improving the value chain.
The new policy is intrinsically linked to the government’s aggressive plan to make the livestock industry a major revenue earner, second only to the oil and gas sector. Minister Maiha revealed an ambitious target, projecting the ministry to generate $74 billion over the next five years. He confirmed that the Presidential innovation to revamp the sector has already begun yielding returns, with over $14 billion earned so far.
The economic implications of the ban and the shift to ranching are significant. Analysts suggest the move could substantially boost food security and lower the cost of produce. By ending the conflicts and destruction of crops associated with open grazing, farmers are expected to return to their lands, leading to increased agricultural output and stabilising food prices. The shift to a modern, controlled ranching system is also viewed as key to attracting major investment and moving towards the projected $74 billion target.
The policy received strong backing from the National Assembly. Senator Musa Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Livestock, stated his belief that “soon, livestock would overtake oil in revenue earning.” He assured the gathering that the Senate is fully prepared to encourage a robust, business-minded budget for the ministry.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Livestock, Honourable Tasir Olawale Raji, praised the ministry’s performance. He commended the decision to abolish open grazing, describing it as ending a “needless confusion” that saw farmers and cattle rearers flexing “unnecessarily muscles over something which should have been abolished a long time ago.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Livestock ministry, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, thanked investors already embracing the ranching model, specifically acknowledging Dan Lawan Adamawa and Alhaji Sadik Daware for their efforts.
The host of the council, Adamawa State, described as the “home of livestock” by Governor Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, who was represented by his deputy, Professor Farauta George, also praised the Minister for staging the event in the state.
The Minister concluded his remarks by commending Adamawa LPRES for achieving a massive milestone over the past twelve years in the sector.
