Updated: Tinubu's Govt Clears Air Over Alleged Ban on Open Grazing
- The federal government banned open grazing by cattle rearers to curb farmers-herders conflicts across Nigeria
- Minister Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha announced the declaration during the inauguration of the first National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State
- The council was tasked with modernising the livestock sector and promoting ranching as a safer and more profitable alternative
The federal government has officially cleared the air over alleged ban on open grazing by cattle rearers.
Earlier, reports had it that FG had banned open grazing as part of a concerted effort to reduce farmers-herders conflicts across Nigeria.
Source: Getty Images
The announcement was made on Tuesday, November 25, by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha.
The declaration during the inauguration of the first National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa state.
FG highlights impact of open grazing
Speaking at the event, Minister Maiha lamented the loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands of Nigerians due to open grazing, Daily trust reported.
“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.
He added that open grazing is now considered a capital offence and urged cattle rearers to embrace ranching as a safer and more profitable alternative.
“Ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business,” Maiha noted.
Economic potential of livestock sector
The minister also emphasised the economic opportunities in livestock production, describing it as the country’s second-largest potential revenue earner after oil and gas, Vanguard reported.
“We project the ministry to generate $74 billion in the next five years. So far, over $14 billion has been realised through the ongoing livestock initiatives,” he stated.
Adamawa state hosts first national council
Source: UGC
Adamawa state Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, who formally declared the council open, described the state as a hub for livestock production and welcomed the decision to host the first National Council on Livestock Development there.
The newly inaugurated National Council on Livestock Development comprises directors of livestock from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The council is mandated to oversee the implementation of policies aimed at modernising and expanding Nigeria’s livestock sector.
“The council will ensure the adoption of modern practices, including ranching, to improve productivity, prevent conflicts, and support economic growth,” Maiha said.
Analyst proposes solution to herders' settlement
A public analyst, Hamma Hayatu, while speaking with Legit.ng on Saturday, November 29, said:
"Northern governors should create grazing reserves in every LG of your states, ban open grazing,provide them with water and veterinary services, organise cooperative to herders, uptake dairy product and meat to the south at premium price thereby creating IGR.
"I have always said this animal husbandry practices must also change like any other profession with time Buhari wanted to do that with his Ruga policy but politics later clouded everything and was abandoned,allocate exclusive grazing reserve and ban them from grazing around."
Open grazing ban: FG clears air
Clarifying this development, FG said that open grazing has not been banned nationwide, contrary to reports circulating in some media outlets.
In a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, the Ministry said the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Maiha, confirmed that no such policy has been announced.
Instead, the government is implementing a gradual, structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems.
Uchechukwu said the Minister highlighted that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering over 4.5 million hectares.
The Federal Government is collaborating with state governments to revitalise and equip these reserves, making them conducive for pastoralists and other 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 said.
Tinubu bans export of popular Nigerian farm produce
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered a temporary ban on the export of raw shea nuts with immediate effect. This move is aimed at boosting processor utilisation, stopping informal trade, targeting higher export values, and stabilising the sector.
The six-month ban is specifically aimed at boosting the value chain of Nigeria's shea, projected to generate $300 million yearly in the short term.
The Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, announced the development while addressing journalists at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday, August 26. The six-month shea nut export ban comes as President Tinubu meets leaders of other countries in the bid to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and other countries.
Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now!
Source: Legit.ng
