Agriculture
THE Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has urged the Federal Government and stakeholders in the livestock industry to adopt a holistic approach towards addressing challenges confronting pastoralists.
The National President of the association, Malam Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, made the call in Abuja on Wednesday, at the association’s 2026 National Conference with the theme, “Strengthening Peaceful Pastoralism, Livestock Transformation and National Development.”
Othman-Ngelzarma said the conference provides an important opportunity for MACBAN to reflect on the association’s progress and chart a new course for the future.
According to him, pastoralists are confronted by the growing impact of climate change, desertification, shrinking pasture, droughts and increasing encroachment upon grazing reserves, stock routes and watering points.
“These pressures have reduced livestock productivity, intensified competition over natural resources and increased the risk of conflict.
“These realities demand practical solutions. We must invest in climate-smart livestock production, pasture development, water infrastructure, rangeland restoration and sustainable land-use planning.
“Equally important is the protection of legally designated grazing reserves, stock routes and watering points as vital national assets that support livestock production and food security.”
The president said that the association
believes that the challenges confronting pastoral communities could not be solved by the MACBAN alone.
He said sustainable solutions require strong partnerships among government, security agencies, development partners, the private sector, research institutions and livestock producers.
“As part of our commitment to constructive dialogue, MACBAN has engaged with international organisations like ECOWAS and African Union among others to present a balanced understanding of pastoral communities in Nigeria.“
‘Our vision extends beyond addressing today’s challenges. We are committed to building a modern livestock industry that is productive, technology-driven and commercially competitive.
“This requires investment, innovation and strong partnerships across the entire livestock value chain,” he said.
Othman-Ngelzarma disclosed that MACBAN had developed a strategic collaboration with International Meat Processors of the United States of America to facilitate technology transfer, capacity building.
This, according to him, will improve meat processing standards, value addition and market development.
“We believe this partnership will contribute significantly to improving product quality, and expand opportunities for livestock producers and processors,” he said.
He added that MACBAN, in collaboration with other organisations in the livestock value change, was promoting the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to ensure a sustainable supply of quality animal protein across the country.
“The initiative will bring together producers, processors, investors, financial institutions, researchers, veterinary professionals and other value chain actors.
“The objective is to improve livestock productivity, strengthen value chain integration, attract private investment and ensure a sustainable supply of quality and affordable animal protein for the Nigerian people.
“This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the Livestock Transformation Agenda of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development,” he said.
The president reaffirmed the unwavering support of MACBAN for the Federal Government’s efforts to modernise the livestock industry and improve security in the country.
He said that as Nigeria continues to discuss the establishment of State Police, MACBAN would continue to support every genuine effort to strengthen community security.
He, however, emphasised that any established policing structure must operate with professionalism, impartiality and adequate constitutional safeguards to ensure equal protection for every Nigerian.”
Earlier, the Chairman of MACBAN’s Board of Trustees, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended Tinubu for the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
Abubakar urged pastoralists to support ongoing efforts by the government to improve the livestock industry and address the incidence of farmers-herders conflicts in the country.
“I want to assure President Tinubu that we are ready to work with him and all security agencies to flush out criminals from our enclaves,” he said. (NAN)
F.O
Tags: MACBAN Pastoralists Sultan