By: Manoah Kikekon
%20(30).jpeg) |
| Cattle grazing |
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has moved to clarify its stance on the contentious issue of open grazing, explicitly denying reports of a nationwide ban and instead outlining a detailed strategy for a phased transition to a modern ranching system.
The clarification was delivered by the Minister of Livestock Development, Dr. Idi Maiha, during a press briefing on Thursday, aiming to quell widespread media speculation.
Minister Maiha firmly addressed what he termed "misleading reports," stating that the administration has not enacted any policy prohibiting open grazing. He emphasized that the government's focus is on creating a structured and sustainable pathway for the livestock industry.
“The government is instead implementing a gradual, well-structured transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems,” Maiha stated. “Pastoralists, like every other economic group, require a structured business environment to thrive.”
Detailing the government's plan, the Minister revealed that the strategy hinges on the revitalization of Nigeria's vast network of existing grazing reserves. He noted that the country currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves, covering a massive 4.5 million hectares of land.
“The Federal Government is working closely with state governments to revitalise, equip, and make these reserves conducive for pastoralists and other livestock operators,” Maiha explained.
This approach, he stressed, is not an immediate abolition of open grazing but a concerted effort to provide viable, economically sustainable alternatives that would ultimately make the practice obsolete.
In a statement released by the Head of Press and Public Relations for the ministry, Mr. Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu, the public and media were urged to disregard the earlier misleading reports. The ministry emphasized that accurate information regarding government policy should be sourced exclusively from its official communication channels.