By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government has banned open grazing across Nigeria as part of measures to address the ongoing clashes between farmers and herders.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, made this known on Tuesday during the inauguration of the first National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State.
Maiha lamented that the violent confrontations have caused loss of lives, destruction of property, and forced thousands of Nigerians to flee their homes.
“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 stressed that open grazing is now considered a capital offence, urging cattle rearers to embrace ranching as a safer and more profitable alternative. “Ranching will not only prevent conflicts but also improve the quality and weight of cattle for better business,” he added.
Maiha also highlighted the economic significance of the livestock sector, projecting it to become Nigeria’s second-largest revenue earner 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 said.
Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, who formally opened the council, described the state as a major centre for livestock production and welcomed hosting the first National Council on Livestock Development.
The council, comprising livestock directors from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is tasked with ensuring effective implementation of policies aimed at modernising and expanding Nigeria’s livestock sector.