The Federal Government of Nigeria has banned the open grazing of cattle.
Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, who disclosed this during the inauguration of the 1st National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State, on Tuesday, November 25, said the development is part of efforts to curb the persistent farmers-herders conflicts across the country.
The minister lamented that the ongoing farmers-herders clashes have resulted in 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,” Alh. Maiha said.
He emphasised that open grazing is now considered a capital offence and urged cattle rearers to embrace ranching as a safer, more profitable alternative.
“Ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business,” he stated.
According to Alh. Maiha, his ministry is positioning livestock development as the country’s second-largest source of revenue after oil and gas.
“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.
