Federal Government has officially banned open grazing nationwide as part of efforts to address the recurring farmers–herders clashes.
The announcement came earlier today during the inauguration of the first National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State, by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha.
Alhaji Maiha explained that the long-standing conflicts between farmers and herders have continued to cause loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands.
According to him, open grazing has been a major contributor to these crises and must be discontinued.
He stressed that herders are now expected to adopt ranching, which the government considers safer, more profitable, and more effective for improving livestock quality.
The minister also highlighted the economic prospects of the livestock sector, noting that the ministry aims to position it as Nigeria’s second-largest revenue source after oil and gas.
He stated that the sector is targeted to generate $74 billion within the next five years, with more than $14 billion already recorded from ongoing initiatives.
Declaring the council open, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, described the state as a key centre for livestock production.
She noted that it was fitting for Adamawa to host the maiden National Council on Livestock Development.
The newly inaugurated Council includes directors of livestock from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It is responsible for driving policies designed to modernise and expand the country’s livestock industry.
