The Federal Government has called on the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and other pastoralist groups to intensify sensitisation among their members on modern livestock production practices to improve productivity, livelihoods and the overall transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The 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 on July 29, 2026.
Maiha said pastoralist associations command the trust and confidence of livestock producers across the country, making them important partners in ensuring that herders and other livestock farmers benefit from programmes and interventions of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s livestock potential can only be fully harnessed through sustained collaboration among government, pastoralist associations, development partners and the private sector.
As part of ongoing reforms, the Minister announced that the Ministry would soon commence the implementation of the National Animal Identification, Tagging and Traceability System.
He explained that the nationwide programme would provide digital registration and identification for cattle, sheep and goats, strengthening livestock traceability and improving animal health management.
According to him, the initiative would also facilitate access to international markets for Nigeria’s red meat industry, support efforts to curb cattle rustling and contribute to reducing farmer-herder conflicts.
Maiha further highlighted other interventions being implemented by the Ministry, 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 said 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 compliance nationwide.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with the participation of members of MACBAN’s National Executive Council, zonal coordinators and state chairmen, alongside representatives of other pastoralist associations.
He described the conference as a demonstration of the unity and cooperation required to achieve sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, described the conference as a platform for dialogue, strategic partnerships and practical solutions towards building a peaceful, productive, climate-resilient and globally competitive livestock industry.
Ngelzarma acknowledged the contributions of pastoralists to Nigeria’s agricultural economy through the production of meat, milk and other livestock products.
He, however, expressed concern over challenges including insecurity, climate change, desertification, dwindling pasture resources, prolonged drought and the encroachment of grazing reserves, stock routes and watering points.
The MACBAN President reiterated the association’s condemnation of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of violent criminality, stressing that such 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.
Ngelzarma also called for increased investment in climate-smart livestock production, pasture development, water infrastructure, rangeland restoration and sustainable land-use planning to improve productivity and reduce 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 decision as a landmark step towards repositioning the livestock industry.
The Sultan reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Ministry’s efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and pastoralists across the country.
He also pledged the continued collaboration of the traditional institution with security agencies to tackle criminal elements operating within pastoral communities.
While commending security agencies for their sacrifices in maintaining peace and stability, the Sultan urged MACBAN chapters across the federation to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of cattle rustling and the importance of law-abiding conduct among livestock producers.
