FG’s Grazing Route Digitisation Sparks Fierce Uproar Between Afenifere and MACBAN

Photo credit: agronigeria

The Federal Government’s initiative to digitise and map grazing reserves and routes across Nigeria has stirred mixed reactions among stakeholders, including the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

At the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Livestock Development, Muktar Maiha, announced that the government is adopting technology-driven solutions to enhance livestock management. The project includes digitising grazing routes, implementing animal identification systems, and mapping 417 grazing reserves spanning over five million hectares. These reserves will be equipped with essential infrastructure, including fodder, water sources, veterinary services, and schools for herders’ families.

While some agricultural stakeholders praised the initiative for its potential to improve livestock security and prevent cattle rustling, it has also reignited debates on open grazing bans in southern states. Afenifere strongly opposed the move, insisting that open grazing is outdated and should be abolished to prevent further farmer-herder conflicts. Conversely, MACBAN welcomed the development but criticized existing anti-grazing laws, describing them as “tribalistic” and ineffective.

MACBAN’s National Secretary, Aliyu Gotomo, expressed optimism that digitisation would help herders remain within designated routes and minimise clashes with farmers. However, he also highlighted concerns such as encroachment on grazing lands and outdated livestock census data, which could pose challenges to effective implementation.

In contrast, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, rejected MACBAN’s position, emphasizing that open grazing should no longer be considered a viable option. He argued that state laws banning open grazing, such as those in Benue and Kwara, do not recognize grazing routes, questioning how the Federal Government’s policy aligns with these laws.

Meanwhile, other industry stakeholders, including the Commercial Dairy Ranchers Association of Nigeria and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Agriculture and Allied Group, have applauded the initiative, viewing it as a progressive step toward modernising the livestock sector and reducing conflicts. However, calls for policy clarity and broader stakeholder engagement continue to grow as the nation grapples with balancing the interests of farmers, herders, and state governments.