The Federal Government has officially banned open grazing across the country in a sweeping policy aimed at ending years of deadly clashes between farmers and herders.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, during the inauguration of the maiden National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State.
Maiha said the decision followed persistent violent confrontations that have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, and mass displacement in many communities. He described the ban as a necessary step to protect citizens and restore peace.
According to the minister, open grazing is now classified as a capital offence under the new policy framework. He urged herders to adopt ranching, noting that modern livestock management would not only curb conflict but also enhance cattle quality and improve economic returns.
He added that Nigerians had endured “untold hardships” due to open grazing–related violence and stressed that the government was determined to put an end to the crisis.
