WorldStage– The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially inaugurated the maiden National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State.
The council, composed of directors of livestock from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is tasked with overseeing the implementation of policies aimed at modernizing the livestock sector, promoting sustainable practices, and addressing the persistent farmers-herders conflicts that have caused widespread loss of life, property destruction, and displacement.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described open grazing as unsustainable and urged a nationwide shift toward ranching systems to improve productivity and reduce conflicts.
He projected that the transition could generate up to $74 billion in sector revenue over the next five years.
Some media outlets, however, interpreted his statements as an outright nationwide ban on open grazing, with exaggerated claims framing it as a “capital offense.”
The Ministry of Livestock Development issued a same-day clarification, emphasizing that open grazing has not been banned across Nigeria.
The government intends to pursue a structured, gradual transition to modern ranching in collaboration with states, leveraging 273 existing gazetted grazing reserves covering over 4.5 million hectares as viable alternatives for pastoralists.
This strategy is designed to enhance productivity, reduce conflicts, and ensure a sustainable livestock ecosystem without causing abrupt disruptions.
Public reaction has been mixed, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Some Nigerians welcomed the perceived move toward modern farming and peace, while others expressed skepticism over effective implementation given past announcements.
The ministry has stressed the importance of relying on official communications for accurate updates and reaffirmed its commitment to ending open grazing in targeted areas such as Abuja through grazing reserve development.
