Federal Government has debunked reports circulating in some media outlets claiming that open grazing has been banned nationwide.
In a statement signed by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, head of press & public relations, Ministry of Livestock Development, the minister, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, clarified that no such policy has been announced, and that the government is instead implementing a gradual, well-structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems.
He explained that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering over 4.5 million hectares, and the Federal Government is working closely with state governments to revitalise, equip, and make these reserves conducive for pastoralists and other livestock operators.
Mukhtar noted that 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 urged the public to disregard misleading reports and rely on official government communication channels for accurate information on livestock development policies.