…says Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardships, including the killing of innocent farmers and herders, as a result of open grazing.
Yola, Adamawa State — The iNews Times | The Federal Government has officially outlawed open grazing nationwide in a decisive move to end recurring clashes between farmers and herders. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, during the inauguration of the maiden National Council on Livestock Development in Yola.
Maiha highlighted that the long-running conflicts have caused heavy human and economic losses, displacing families, destroying farmlands, and decimating livestock across the country. “Nigerians have been subjected to untold hardships, including the killing of innocent farmers and herders, as a result of open grazing. There is an urgent need to put a stop to this problem,” he said.
The minister stressed that open grazing is now classified as a capital offense, urging herders to transition fully to ranching. He added that structured ranching systems would not only prevent conflicts but also improve cattle quality and business productivity.
On the sector’s economic potential, Maiha revealed that the government aims to make livestock Nigeria’s second-biggest revenue source after oil, projecting $74 billion in revenue within five years, with over $14 billion already generated from current livestock programs.
Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, who declared the council open, described Adamawa as one of Nigeria’s strongest livestock zones, making it a fitting location for the launch.
The newly formed National Council on Livestock Development will bring together directors of livestock from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The council is tasked with driving reforms, monitoring policy execution, and modernizing Nigeria’s livestock industry.
