The Federal Government’s recent push to digitize and map out grazing reserves and routes across Nigeria has sparked renewed controversy, highlighting the longstanding tensions between modernization efforts and traditional livestock management practices. The initiative, announced by the Minister of Livestock Development, Muktar Maiha, aims to improve security, reduce cattle rustling, and enhance livestock productivity through the use of technology. However, while some stakeholders see it as a progressive step, others view it as a potential setback that could reignite conflicts between herders and farmers.

The Federal Government’s Vision

During the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, Maiha revealed that 417 grazing reserves covering over five million hectares of land have been identified and mapped. These reserves will be equipped with essential infrastructure such as water sources, veterinary clinics, and schools for herders’ families. Additionally, the government is leveraging digital technology to track livestock movements, aiming to curb illegal encroachments and theft.

Maiha emphasized that the move is not about promoting open grazing but rather about organizing and regulating the livestock sector. He insisted that digitization would help ensure herders stay within designated areas, reducing conflicts with crop farmers.

Diverse Reactions from Stakeholders

The policy has drawn mixed reactions from across Nigeria. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) welcomed the initiative, stating that it would provide structure to cattle rearing and offer security to herders. MACBAN’s National Secretary, Aliyu Gotomo, noted that many grazing reserves have been lost to encroachment, outdated livestock census data, and a lack of infrastructure. He argued that digitization could address these challenges and bring some order to the system.

However, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, strongly opposed the initiative. The group insists that Nigeria must move past open grazing altogether and transition fully to ranching systems. Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, questioned the government’s motives, stating, “We have moved beyond open grazing. Any attempt to reintroduce it in any form is unacceptable.”

Similarly, in Benue State, where an anti-open grazing law has been in place since 2017, farmers and policymakers have rejected the mapping of grazing reserves. The State Coordinator for Sustainable Agriculture, Aondongu Shaaku, said that modern farming practices such as mechanised agriculture require more land, making grazing routes obsolete. He suggested that the government focus on developing ranches instead of revisiting old grazing paths.

On the other hand, some agricultural and business stakeholders see potential benefits in the initiative. The Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Agriculture and Allied Group have praised the move, arguing that structured livestock management could boost productivity and reduce conflicts.

Regional Disparities in Acceptance

The debate over grazing reserves reflects deep regional divisions. While southern states such as Ekiti, Ondo, and Benue oppose the plan, northern states like Bauchi, Katsina, and Nasarawa have expressed support.

The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, recently reiterated the need to revive grazing routes, citing historical significance and economic benefits. Likewise, the Director-General of Media to the Katsina State Governor, Mallam Maiwada Danmallam, described the digital mapping of grazing routes as an innovative solution to farmer-herder conflicts.

In Nasarawa State, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Isaac Kigbu, said the association would support efforts to create structured grazing routes to prevent clashes. However, AFAN’s Ekiti State chapter dismissed the idea, with its chairman, Adebola Alagbada, stating, “Grazing routes belong to the past. The future lies in ranching.”

A Test for Nigeria’s Livestock Sector

As the government moves forward with its digitization plans, it faces several challenges, including:

• Legal and policy inconsistencies between federal and state governments.
• Encroachment on previously designated grazing reserves due to urbanisation.
• The need for large-scale investments in infrastructure to make reserves viable.
• Balancing traditional pastoralist practices with modern agricultural demands.

While some see the initiative as a pathway to modern livestock management, others view it as a controversial attempt to reinstate open grazing through the back door. The success of the programme will depend on effective stakeholder engagement, clear policy direction, and sustainable livestock management strategies that benefit both herders and farmers.

With tensions high and opinions deeply divided, the question remains: Is Nigeria truly ready to digitize its grazing reserves, or is this another policy that will fuel more conflict than progress?