The Federal Government of Nigeria has abolished open cattle grazing to reduce conflict, improve safety, and transform the livestock sector. 

The announcement came during the 1st National Council on Livestock Development, held in Yola, Adamawa State.

Speaking at the event, the Livestock Minister, Mallam Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated that open grazing has, over the years, caused numerous crises and loss of lives across the country. 

He emphasised that anyone caught grazing cattle openly would now be committing an offence. 

Instead, all cattle rearers are being encouraged to transition to ranching, which, he said, is safer and more economically efficient, producing fatter cattle for business.

Minister Maiha added that since the presidential initiative to revamp livestock development began, his ministry has been working to make livestock the country’s next largest revenue stream after oil and gas. 

He projected that the livestock sector could generate USD 74 billion over the next five years, and revealed that over USD 14 billion has already been earned under his oversight.

At the council, the Minister was received on behalf of the Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, by his deputy, Professor Farauta George, who hailed Adamawa as the “home of livestock”. 

The governor’s office welcomed the decision to host the National Livestock Council in the state.

Senator Musa Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Livestock, expressed optimism, stating that the livestock sector could soon overtake oil in revenue generation. 

He assured the Minister of the Senate’s support for “a robust, business-minded budget” for the ministry.

On his part, Hon. Tasir Olawale Raji, Chair of the House of Representatives Livestock Committee, praised the ministry for its commitment to livestock development.

He welcomed the abolition of open grazing, calling it a measure that would reduce confusion and conflict between farmers and herders, a problem he said should have been resolved long ago.

Dr. (Mrs) Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, the Federal Permanent Secretary in charge of the Ministry of Livestock, thanked investors in the livestock industry for embracing ranching. She singled out figures such as Dan Lawan (Adamawa) and Alhaji Sadik Daware for their contributions.

Finally, Minister Maiha praised the leadership in Adamawa State for their remarkable progress in livestock development over the past 12 years.

Source: Independent News
Image Credit: PLRC