The Federal Government has called on the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and other pastoralist associations to intensify sensitisation of their members on the adoption of modern livestock production practices to improve productivity, enhance livelihoods and accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made the call while representing the Federal Government at the two-day National Conference of MACBAN held in Abuja.
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Maiha said pastoralist associations enjoy the trust and confidence of livestock producers across the country, making them strategic partners in ensuring that herders and other livestock farmers benefit from the programmes and interventions of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
He noted that the vast potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry could only be fully harnessed through sustained collaboration among government, pastoralist associations, development partners and the private sector.
The Minister announced that the Ministry would soon commence the implementation of the National Animal Identification, Tagging and Traceability System, a nationwide programme designed to provide digital registration and identification for cattle, sheep and goats.
According to him, the initiative will strengthen livestock identification and traceability, improve animal health management, facilitate access to international markets for Nigeria’s red meat industry, and support efforts to curb cattle rustling and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.
Maiha also highlighted ongoing reforms in the sector, including the rehabilitation of veterinary clinics, expansion of water infrastructure, promotion of commercial pasture and fodder production, and strategic partnerships with the private sector to improve the genetic quality of indigenous breeds of cattle, sheep and goats.
He explained that all livestock owners would be required to register and tag their animals once the programme begins, urging MACBAN and other pastoralist associations to mobilise their members for full participation and compliance.
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The Minister commended the participation of members of the National Executive Council, Zonal Coordinators and State Chairmen of MACBAN, as well as representatives of other pastoralist associations, describing the conference as a demonstration of the unity and cooperation needed to drive sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, MACBAN National President, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, described the conference as an important platform for dialogue, strategic partnerships and practical solutions aimed at building a peaceful, productive, climate-resilient and globally competitive livestock industry.
He acknowledged the contributions of pastoralists to Nigeria’s agricultural economy through the production of meat, milk and other livestock products but expressed concern over challenges such as insecurity, climate change, desertification, dwindling pasture resources, prolonged drought, and the encroachment on grazing reserves, stock routes and watering points.
Ngelzarma reiterated the association’s condemnation of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of violent criminality, stressing that criminal activities should not be associated with any ethnic group, religion or occupation.
He reaffirmed MACBAN’s commitment to working with security agencies by encouraging members to cooperate with lawful authorities and reject criminality in all its forms. He also advocated greater investment in climate-smart livestock production, pasture development, water infrastructure, rangeland restoration and sustainable land-use planning to improve productivity and minimise resource-based conflicts.
In recognition of his contributions to the development of Nigeria’s livestock sector, the MACBAN President presented an Award of Excellence to the Minister of Livestock Development.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing the move as a landmark step toward repositioning Nigeria’s livestock industry.
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The Sultan reaffirmed his support for the Ministry’s efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists and pledged the continued collaboration of the traditional institution with security agencies to eliminate criminal elements operating within pastoral communities.
He also commended security agencies for their resilience in maintaining peace and urged MACBAN chapters across the country to intensify public awareness on the dangers of cattle rustling while promoting law-abiding conduct among livestock producers.