Gov. Alia Calls For National Ban on Open Grazing, Pushes For Ranching Reforms

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has urged the Federal Government to enact national legislation banning open grazing, advocating for modern ranching practices to boost Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Governor Alia emphasized the transformative potential of livestock development in tackling food insecurity, generating wealth, and contributing to Nigeria’s GDP.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, expressing confidence that it will enhance support for the livestock community.

The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing Benue State’s Anti-Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law (2017) and called on the Federal Government to spearhead legislative reforms favoring ranching over outdated open grazing practices.

To advance livestock development, he unveiled plans to establish a Bureau for Livestock Development and Transboundary Animal Diseases Control, alongside the “Pasture as a Fodder Crop” initiative in 2025, aimed at cultivating improved pastures for high-livestock regions.

Additionally, he proposed revitalizing abandoned livestock facilities in Benue through public-private partnerships and announced plans to set up ten feed mills and hatcheries per senatorial district, as well as agricultural training centers to bridge knowledge gaps between extension workers and farmers.