The cattle breeders in Oyo State have issued a stern warning that they may suspend the sale of milk, cows, goats, and rams within the next two weeks if the state government does not review its anti-grazing law.
Speaking under the umbrella of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Oyo State chapter, the herders accused the state government of implementing the law in a manner they claim threatens their livelihood and fuels unnecessary conflict between pastoralists and host communities.
According to the breeders, the anti-grazing legislation, which restricts open grazing and mandates ranching in approved areas, has created operational bottlenecks for herders, disrupted cattle movement, and made access to pasture more difficult.
“We are peace-loving people and we have been cooperating with the authorities, but this law, as it is currently enforced, is pushing our members into hardship,” said the Chairman of MACBAN in Oyo State.
“If nothing changes, we will have no choice but to stop supplying meat, milk, and other livestock products to the markets in two weeks.”
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Economic Impact Looms
A halt in the supply of cattle and dairy products could have significant implications for Oyo State and neighbouring regions. The Ibadan meat markets and dairy supply chains heavily depend on pastoralists from the north and within Oyo State’s rural communities.
Food industry stakeholders fear that the threatened suspension could trigger a spike in the prices of beef, goat meat, and dairy products, especially as the festive season approaches.
Government Response
Oyo State government officials have not yet issued an official statement on the breeders’ ultimatum. However, sources within the Ministry of Agriculture hinted that discussions might be initiated to avert disruptions in the food supply chain.
The anti-open grazing law, signed into effect in 2019, is aimed at curbing farmer-herder clashes and promoting modern ranching methods. While farmers and security advocates have praised the move for reducing violent confrontations, pastoralists insist that more time, support, and grazing infrastructure are needed before the law can be fully workable.
Possible Way Forward
Agricultural experts suggest that dialogue between the state government and pastoralist groups could help in modifying the implementation process of the anti-grazing law to accommodate both security concerns and economic realities.
If the two-week deadline lapses without an agreement, residents in Oyo State could experience shortages and sharp price hikes in meat and dairy products, a development that may inflame tensions in local markets.
