The Federal Government has denied reports claiming it has imposed a nationwide ban on open grazing, insisting that no such policy has been announced.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Ministry said the clarification followed misleading reports circulating in sections of the media.
According to Uchechukwu, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, has not declared any blanket prohibition on open grazing.
Instead, the government is pursuing what it described as a “gradual and structured transition” from open grazing to modern ranching systems aimed at improving livestock productivity and reducing conflicts.
The Ministry stated that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering more than 4.5 million hectares, which are being revitalised in partnership with state governments.
“These reserves are being upgraded to create conducive environments for pastoralists and other livestock operators.
“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 statement read.
Maiha stressed that pastoralists, like all other economic groups, require a structured and predictable business environment.
“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,” he said.
The Ministry urged the public to ignore inaccurate reports and rely on official government communication channels for verified information on livestock development policies.
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