The Federal Government has debunked reports circulating in some media outlets claiming that open grazing has been banned nationwide.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, clarified on Tuesday 25th November 2025, that no such policy has been announced, and that the government is instead implementing a gradual, well-structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems.
He explained that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering over 4.5 million hectares, and the Federal Government is working closely with state governments to revitalise, equip, and make these reserves conducive for pastoralists and other livestock operators.
Mukhtar noted that the transition plan does not abolish open grazing overnight but provides viable alternatives that support productivity, reduce conflicts, and promote a sustainable livestock ecosystem.
According to the Minister: There are 273 Gazetted grazing reserves out of the digitalized 417 grazing reserves that are going to be rehabilitated in order to have sedentarized production. He said the plan is to transit from open Grazing to ranching since open Grazing is gradually becoming not feasible due to several factors (increase population, urbanization, climate change and shrinking rangelands)
“Pastoralists, like every other economic group, require a structured business environment. The grazing reserves provided by law are meant to serve as business premises for all livestock activities. Our responsibility is to upgrade these reserves and facilitate their proper utilisation.”
The Ministry urged the public to disregard misleading reports and rely on official government communication channels for accurate information on livestock development policies.
Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu
Head, Press & Public Relations
25th November, 2025
