By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on herder groups across the country to embrace the newly established Livestock Ministry, urging them to abandon open grazing practices and hand over all illegal weapons in their possession.
Speaking on Monday, Tinubu said the ministry was created to address the long-running and often deadly clashes between herders and farmers — a conflict that has left thousands killed and displaced over the past decade.
“Our administration created the Livestock Ministry to address the persistent clashes between herders and farmers,” Tinubu said. “I call on all herder associations to take advantage of it, end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons.”
The president described the new ministry as a pathway to modern livestock management, improved security, and lasting peace in rural communities. Open grazing has for years been at the centre of tensions, with disputes over land, crop destruction, and resource scarcity escalating into violence in several states.
Security analysts say disarmament will be critical to resolving the crisis, but achieving compliance from armed groups remains a challenge.
Tinubu reiterated that his government is committed to transitioning Nigeria to a ranching-based system, improving pastoral livelihoods while reducing conflict. He urged traditional leaders and community associations to support the initiative and “usher in an era of stability and agricultural growth.”
The government is expected to roll out a national plan for livestock reforms in the coming weeks.
