Tag: Fulani Herdsmen

The Federal Government has formally declared a nationwide ban on open grazing, introducing one of its strongest measures yet to curb the persistent clashes between herders and farming communities. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, during the inauguration of the first National Council on Livestock Development in Yola, Adamawa State. Maiha said the decades-long conflict has left a trail of deaths, displacement and economic destruction, with many rural communities struggling to recover. He noted that both farmers and herders have suffered massive losses due to unchecked movement of cattle across farmlands. According to him, the government has now classified open grazing as a capital offense, insisting that herders must transition to ranching if the cycle of violence is to end. He argued that ranching not only prevents clashes but produces healthier cattle and better commercial returns. The minister also highlighted the financial potential of Nigeria’s livestock sector, saying the government aims to grow it into the country’s second-largest revenue generator after oil. He projected $74 billion in revenue within five years and disclosed that existing programmes have already generated more than $14 billion. Declaring the council open, Adamawa Deputy Governor, Professor Kaleptawa Farauta, described the state as one of Nigeria’s most significant livestock hubs and a suitable host for the event. The newly established National Council on Livestock Development, made up of livestock directors from all 36 states and the FCT, will coordinate reforms, track policy implementation and steer the transformation of the country’s livestock industry.