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The Federal Government has dismissed widespread reports claiming it has imposed a nationwide ban on open grazing, insisting that no such policy has been announced.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Minister of Livestock Development, Mallam Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the publications as misleading and “not reflective of the government’s current policy direction.”
According to the Minister, the administration is not enforcing an outright ban but is instead implementing a gradual, well-coordinated transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems across the country.
The clarification was contained in a statement signed by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press & Public Relations in the ministry. Mukhtar explained that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering over 4.5 million hectares, and the Federal Government is collaborating with state governments to revitalise and equip these reserves to support pastoralists and livestock operators.
He stressed that the transition plan prioritises sustainable alternatives over abrupt enforcement measures. The goal, he said, is to boost productivity, reduce farmer–herder conflicts, and build an efficient, modern livestock ecosystem.
“Pastoralists, like every other economic group, require a structured business environment,” the Minister noted. “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.”
The Ministry urged Nigerians to ignore misleading publications and rely on verified government communication channels for accurate information on livestock development reforms.
The clarification reaffirms the government’s commitment to a phased and inclusive transition strategy, designed to modernise the livestock sector without destabilising communities that rely on traditional pastoralism.
