The Federal Government has dismissed reports claiming it has imposed a nationwide ban on open grazing, stating that no such directive has been issued.
In a statement released on November 25, 2025, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development said the claim of a blanket ban was inaccurate.
The ministry explained that the government is implementing a gradual transition from open grazing to modern ranching systems, not an immediate prohibition.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said the reform is designed to give pastoralists time to adjust while building a more organised and productive livestock sector.
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He noted that Nigeria currently has 273 gazetted grazing reserves covering over 4.5 million hectares, and the government is working with state governments to rehabilitate and develop these spaces into fully functional ranches.
According to the ministry, the national plan aims to reduce farmer–herder conflicts, improve livestock yields and support pastoral communities with structured, legally recognised grazing and ranching facilities.
Officials stressed that the existence of gazetted grazing reserves means open grazing cannot be considered outlawed nationwide.
The ministry urged the public to disregard misleading media reports suggesting that open grazing had been banned across the country, saying any policy updates will be communicated through official government channels.