FG bans open grazing to curb farmers-herders conflicts

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Federal Government has declared that that open grazing is no longer sustainable while urging cattle rearers to embrace ranching as a safer and more profitable method.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha said this in Tuesday during the inauguration of the 1st National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State.

He said the ban on open grazing by cattle rearers was as part of efforts to curb the persistent farmers-herders conflicts across the country.

Maiha lamented that incidents of farmers-herders clashes in the country as a result of open grazing have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands of Nigerians.

“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,” Maiha said.

He added that open grazing is now considered a capital offense as cattle rearers must embrace ranching as a safer and more profitable method.

Maiha added that ranching will prevent conflicts and improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business

The Minister added that his ministry is positioning livestock development as the country’s second-largest revenue earner after oil and gas.

According to Maiha, the Ministry is projecting to generate $74 billion in the next five years.

He added that over $14 billion has been realized through the ongoing livestock initiatives,” he stated.

Speaking while declaring the council open, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, noted that the state is a hub for livestock production in the country.

He added that that hosting the first National Council on Livestock Development in the state is therefore appropriate.

The newly inaugurated National Council on Livestock Development comprises all directors of livestock from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and is tasked with overseeing the implementation of policies to modernize and expand Nigeria’s livestock sector.