The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has hailed President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the association’s President, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, highlighted that this new ministry could unlock Nigeria’s trillion-naira livestock economy.
Othman-Ngelzarma noted that the ministry would generate quality and productive jobs across the livestock value chain, contributing significantly to the Nigerian economy. He stated, “With this development, MACBAN believes the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renew Hope Agenda. The promise made by President Tinubu, to raise the productive capacity of Nigerian agriculture to ensure food security is being fulfilled.”
The association has long advocated for a dedicated ministry to modernize the livestock production system in line with global best practices. “We as an association had for years been agitating tooth and nail to actualise the creation of a stand-alone ministry to modernise livestock production system in line with global best practices,” Othman-Ngelzarma said.
He pledged MACBAN’s support to the federal government in transforming livestock production into a significant source of foreign exchange and reducing farmer-herder conflicts along with related security challenges.
According to Othman-Ngelzarma, Nigerian pastoralists value this historic development and are prepared to reciprocate the government’s gesture.
“On behalf of the Chairman and members Board of Trustees of MACBAN, his Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and entire members of the Cattle Breeders association of Nigeria across the nation heartily congratulate the President and Commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed forces for this wonderful development,” he added.
Recall, President Tinubu announced the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja. Tinubu, who chairs the committee, appointed Prof. Attahiru Jega as the deputy or Co-chair of the committee.
Addressing the committee, Tinubu said, “When you have great opportunity as this, why should Nigeria continue in conflict with the calibre of the people that is here? This presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a separate ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. We will develop the economy, and give people the opportunity to excel. Our vet doctors can give us the necessary opportunity to rear, crossbreed and stop the wanton killings, even animal feeds is a huge economy.”
The inauguration was attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Sen. George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.
