“The Federal Government says there is no nationwide Open Grazing Ban, debunking false claims circulating online. A statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Livestock Development affirmed that Nigeria is transitioning gradually to ranching, not enforcing a federal prohibition. While some states have their own anti-open-grazing laws, officials stressed that these do not amount to a national ban. The clarification urges accurate reporting and warns against misinformation surrounding livestock reforms.”
Abuja | Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Open Grazing Ban – The Federal Government has stated unequivocally that there is no nationwide Open Grazing Ban, dispelling claims that the administration has prohibited the open movement of cattle across Nigeria. The clarification followed a wave of online reports alleging that the government had issued a blanket restriction.
The Ministry of Livestock Development issued the clarification in an official statement released on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, and signed by its Head of Press and Public Relations. The ministry described recent reports as misleading and urged the public to rely on verified information. “There is no federal ban on open grazing,” the statement read. “The Federal Government is implementing a phased transition to ranching as a long-term reform strategy.”
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasised that the transition aims to modernise livestock management without causing disruptions. According to him, “Ranching remains the sustainable pathway for the sector, and our approach is structured and gradual. It is not a nationwide prohibition on open grazing.”
Maiha further explained that the ministry is working with more than 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering over 4.5 million hectares to facilitate modern livestock infrastructure. He said this aligns with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, which prioritises dialogue, development, and stability.
Legal experts note that confusion often stems from state-level legislation. Constitutional analyst Dr. Udozie Nwankwo explained, “Several states have enacted their own anti-open-grazing laws for security reasons, but these do not amount to a federal Open Grazing Ban. State laws apply locally; federal policy is different.”
Civil society organisations also welcomed the clarification, warning that misinformation worsens already tense farmer–herder relations. Jide Akanbi of the Centre for Democratic Monitoring said, “False claims escalate conflicts. This clarification from the Federal Government is necessary to keep the public properly informed.”
Security experts advised the media to maintain accuracy when reporting on sensitive policy issues. Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Lawrence Oche noted, “When people believe that a national Open Grazing Ban exists, it affects community behaviour and can provoke unnecessary confrontations. Verified information is critical.”
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the Federal Government urged journalists, commentators, and citizens to avoid amplifying unverified claims. Officials reiterated that livestock reform remains a consultative, long-term process. The statement stressed that the transition to ranching will be implemented “through sustained engagement, not through a sudden nationwide ban.”
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