The Federal Government has prohibited open grazing by cattle rearers as part of renewed measures to tackle the recurring clashes between farmers and herders nationwide.
The declaration was issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, at the inauguration of the 1st National Council on Livestock Development held in Yola, Adamawa State.
The minister noted that the persistent confrontations between farmers and herders have led to deaths, the destruction of farmlands and communities, and the displacement of countless citizens.
“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 stressed that open grazing has now been classified as a capital offense and urged herders to transition to ranching as a safer, more sustainable system. “Ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business,” the minister added.
Speaking on the financial prospects within the industry, Maiha said the ministry is repositioning livestock development to become the country’s second-highest revenue source after oil and gas.
“We project the ministry to generate $74 billion in the next five years. So far, over $14 billion has been realized through the ongoing livestock initiatives,” he stated.
Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, who officially opened the council, described the state as a major center for livestock activities and said it was fitting for Adamawa to host the maiden National Council on Livestock Development.
The newly formed National Council on Livestock Development includes all directors of livestock from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and is responsible for coordinating the execution of policies aimed at modernizing and expanding Nigeria’s livestock industry.
