Nigeria Moves Gradually Towards Modern Ranching Systems While Clarifying No Nationwide Open Grazing Ban Exists

 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially clarified that there is no immediate nationwide ban on open grazing, stressing that the country is instead embarking on a gradual shift toward modern ranching systems. The statement, issued on Tuesday by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Livestock Development, highlighted remarks from Minister Alhaji Idi Maiha confirming the government’s approach.

According to the Ministry, the current strategy focuses on a structured, phased transition that does not abruptly eliminate open grazing. The government is working to provide pastoralists with practical alternatives designed to enhance productivity, reduce recurring conflicts between farmers and herders, and promote sustainable livestock management across Nigeria.

Minister Maiha highlighted the country’s existing infrastructure, noting that Nigeria currently has 273 officially gazetted grazing reserves spanning more than 4.5 million hectares. These reserves are intended to serve as legal business grounds for livestock activities, and the Ministry is actively collaborating with state governments to revitalise and equip these areas. The upgrades aim to make the grazing reserves fully functional, accessible, and supportive of both pastoralist livelihoods and national livestock production goals.

“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 Ministry’s statement explained. Minister Maiha emphasized that pastoralists, like other economic actors, need a structured business environment to thrive effectively.

Efforts to modernise livestock farming in Nigeria date back to the launch of the National Livestock Transformation Plan. This initiative was designed to encourage ranching rather than open grazing, aiming to improve overall livestock productivity while mitigating violent clashes between farmers and herders. As part of this plan, the government proposed establishing RUGA settlements, designated rural grazing areas intended to house herders and their cattle in a more permanent and organised manner. However, the policy faced widespread opposition from several state governments, particularly in southern regions, over land rights and security concerns.

Recent pronouncements from the newly re-established Ministry of Livestock Development have clarified that the shift to ranching will be gradual. The Ministry is urging the public to rely on verified government communication channels for accurate information and to disregard misleading reports suggesting an outright ban on open grazing. The approach reflects the government’s broader commitment to balancing economic interests, conflict prevention, and modern agricultural practices.

Through the ongoing upgrades to grazing reserves and the structured rollout of ranching systems, the Federal Government aims to create a more productive and secure livestock sector. Pastoralists are encouraged to see these measures as opportunities to integrate traditional livestock practices into a modernised framework capable of supporting long-term economic growth.