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The federal Government of Nigeria has officially outlawed the open grazing of cattle across the country, marking a historic shift in livestock management and national security policy.
The announcement was made in Yola, Adamawa State, by the Minister of Livestock Development, Mallam Idi Mukhtar Maiha, during the inaugural meeting of the National Council on Livestock Development. The Minister stated unequivocally that open grazing is now a criminal offence, noting that the practice has for decades been linked to violent clashes, loss of lives, and widespread insecurity.
“It is now an offence to be caught grazing cattle openly. All herders are strongly encouraged to embrace ranching, which is safer, more modern, and will produce healthier and fatter cattle for better business,” Maiha announced.
He disclosed that under the Presidential initiative to revitalize Nigeria’s livestock sector, the industry has already generated over $14 billion, with projections indicating a potential to yield $74 billion within the next five years, positioning livestock as the nation’s next major revenue stream after oil and gas.
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri—represented by his deputy, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta George—hailed the decision and described the state as “the home of livestock in Nigeria.” He commended the Minister for selecting Adamawa as the host of the landmark council meeting.
The Chairmen of both the Senate and House Committees on Livestock also threw their weight behind the ban. Senator Musa Mustapha asserted that the livestock sector is on track to surpass oil as Nigeria’s leading revenue source, pledging full legislative support through a business-focused budget. Similarly, Hon. Tasir Olawale Raji praised the ministry’s boldness, describing farmer-herder conflicts as avoidable tragedies that should have been resolved long ago.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. (Mrs.) Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, expressed gratitude to investors who have embraced ranching, particularly acknowledging the contributions of Dan Lawan Adamawa and Alhaji Sadik Daware.
Maiha also commended the Adamawa Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) for achieving major milestones over the past 12 years.
The nationwide ban on open grazing is viewed as a transformative step aimed at ending long-standing farmer-herder conflicts while modernising the livestock industry in line with global best practices.
