Abia State Governor Alex Otti has directed his Senior Special Assistant on Legislative Matters to provide him with all documents passed by the previous House of Assembly concerning the open grazing of cows in the state. The governor’s directive signals his intention to review and enforce existing legislation aimed at curbing the destructive practice of open cattle grazing in Abia.
Governor Otti stated his firm belief that cows should not be allowed to roam freely and destroy crops on farmlands, a stance that aligns with the concerns of many farmers in the state who have suffered losses due to uncontrolled grazing. “I am one of those who believe that cows should not be allowed to roam about and destroy crops in people’s farms,” he said.
Background: Anti-Open Grazing Law and Past Enforcement Challenges
Abia State had enacted an anti-open grazing law in 2018 during the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. However, the law has not been effectively enforced, partly due to the state government’s efforts to explore ranching as an alternative to open grazing before fully implementing the ban.
Despite the law’s existence, nomadic herders have continued to graze their cattle across communities, leading to conflicts and destruction of farmlands. The failure to enforce the law has fueled tensions between farmers and herders, a problem that is common across many southern Nigerian states.
Rumors and Misinformation
In early 2025, rumors circulated on social media claiming that Governor Otti had banned the importation of cows from northern Nigeria and urged residents to switch to fish or local cattle breeds. These claims were debunked by credible fact-checking organizations and the Abia State government, which clarified that no such ban had been imposed.
The state government also denied reports linking it to any endorsement of violent groups amid herdsmen attacks, emphasizing its commitment to peace and lawful enforcement of existing laws.
Regional Context and Southern Governors’ Stance
Abia’s position on open grazing reflects a broader regional policy. Governors of several southern states have called for a national dialogue on herder-farmer conflicts and have placed bans on the movement of cattle by foot within their jurisdictions. These measures aim to reduce clashes and protect farmers’ livelihoods.
However, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has described the southern governors’ ban on open grazing as unconstitutional, adding complexity to the enforcement of such laws.
What Lies Ahead?
Governor Otti’s directive to review legislative documents suggests a renewed push to implement the anti-open grazing law in Abia. His administration appears poised to take decisive action to protect farmers’ rights and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The success of this initiative will depend on effective collaboration with security agencies, community leaders, and herders to ensure peaceful coexistence and the transition to ranching systems. It will also require navigating legal challenges and addressing the concerns of all stakeholders.
