25.11.2025
Nigeria’s Minister of Livestock Development Mukhtar Maiha said in a bid to end farmers and herders clash over land; the Federal government has put a stop to open grazing nationwide.
Mr. Maiha who was speaking in Yola, Adamawa State Tuesday during a meeting of the newly formed National Council on Livestock Development said many lives have been lost and communities devastated due to persistence clashes between farmers and cattle rearers.
“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,” he said.
The minister further explained that the practice of open grazing has now been classified as a capital offense, urging herders to transition fully to ranching. He maintained that structured ranching systems offer better safety and higher productivity.
“Ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business,” he added.
Maiha also pointed to the sector’s economic prospects, saying the ministry aims to make livestock development Nigeria’s second-biggest revenue source after oil.
He disclosed that the government projects about $74 billion in revenue within five years, with over $14 billion already generated through current livestock programmes.
Directors of livestock from the 36 States and the FCT attended the meeting. The council is expected to drive reforms, monitor policy execution, and strengthen the modernization of Nigeria’s livestock industry.