FG Ends Open Grazing Nationwide, Launches Lifestock Council

The Federal Government on Tuesday announced a nationwide ban on open grazing as it moved to stop the steady rise in clashes between farmers and herders.

The decision was made public during the inauguration of the National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State.

The move was led by the Minister of Livestock Development, Mukhtar Maiha, who said the country could no longer continue with a system that has fueled deadly conflicts, destroyed farmlands, and forced many families from their homes. He explained that the administration is introducing a new direction for livestock management to protect both herders and farmers.

The government said cattle rearers are now expected to adopt ranching, which it described as safer and better for business. The ministry explained that ranching will reduce confrontations and support healthier animals that fetch more value in the market. Officials added that abandoning open grazing is now a strict requirement under the new policy.

At the event, the minister also pointed to the economic potential of the livestock sector, saying the ministry is being structured to become the country’s next major source of income after oil. He revealed that ongoing livestock programmes have already brought in billions of dollars, and projections show even greater returns in the coming years.

Adamawa State’s Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, who opened the council meeting, said the state is a natural home for livestock production. She noted that hosting the first National Council on Livestock Development in the state was fitting given its long-standing role in Nigeria’s livestock activities.

The new council is made up of livestock directors from all 36 states and the FCT. The team will be responsible for guiding the rollout of new policies, improving livestock practices, and helping the country transition fully to modern systems that reduce conflict and boost economic growth.