Confusion as Minister Walks Back Declaration on Open Grazing Ban

Confusion erupted Tuesday after the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, delivered two contradictory positions on the fate of open grazing in Nigeria within a six-hour window.

In the afternoon, while inaugurating the 1st National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State, Maiha announced that the Federal Government had “officially abolished open grazing with immediate effect,” urging herders to embrace ranching as a safer, more profitable alternative. He described open grazing as a major driver of deadly farmers–herders conflicts and declared it a “capital offense,” insisting that ranching would curb violence, boost productivity, and improve cattle quality. The minister also projected that livestock development could become Nigeria’s second-largest revenue source after oil and gas, estimating $74 billion in potential earnings within five years, and claiming over $14 billion had already been realised from ongoing initiatives.

But by evening, he issued a sharp counter-statement disclaiming his own remarks. Signed by Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Livestock Development, the statement insisted no nationwide ban on open grazing exists. Instead, Uchechukwu said the government is pursuing a “gradual, structured transition” from open grazing to ranching, not an abrupt abolition.

The ministry stressed that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering more than 4.5 million hectares, and that the FG is working with states to rehabilitate and equip them for pastoralists. These reserves, it added, are intended to function as formal business premises for 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.

The ministry urged the public to ignore “misleading reports” and rely on official communication for updates on livestock policy.

Earlier at the Yola event, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, described Adamawa as a national livestock hub and said it was fitting for the state to host the maiden National Council on Livestock Development session. The new council, comprising directors of livestock from the 36 states and the FCT, is expected to oversee the rollout of policies to modernise and expand the sector.