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MACBAN endorses creation of Ministry of Livestock in Nigeria

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Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has on July 21, 2024, endorsed the innovation of the Ministry of Livestock by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

MACBAN President, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma disclosed their endorsement during a press conference in Abuja.

During the press conference, Alhaji Othman-Ngelzarma praised President Tinubu for the creation of the Ministry.

MACBAN hails

The MACBAN President said that the current sub-sector has recruited jobs for over 20 million Nigerians.

He said: “We welcome the creation of this very important ministry that contributes 10 percent GDP to Nigeria’s non-oil sector and 30 percent of Agricultural GDP.

“We salute the President for creating a Ministry for an industry that currently employs over 20 million Nigerians.

“[This] has the potential of unlocking millions of additional quality jobs at a time when Nigeria is beset by high level of graduate- and youth-unemployment.

“The livestock sector is currently valued at over N33 trillion.

“With the envisaged new investments, it’s estimated to grow to over N75 trillion in few years to come.

“Like the newly created blue economy, a renewed livestock production system will save Nigeria billions of dollars in foreign exchange from the importation of powdered milk and other livestock products.

“The country will also be positioned to earn billions of dollars in the export of leather, beef and other livestock related value chain products.

“As it is today, it’s a sector that employs Nigerians cutting across tribe and religion, some as butchers, transporters, tax collectors, diary/beef producers, and others, the MACBAN scribe added.

Livestock

Livestock refers to domesticated animals raised for various purposes, such as:

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1. Food (meat, dairy, eggs)
2. Fiber (wool, silk)
3. Leather
4. Labor (draught animals)
5. Companionship (pets)

Common examples of livestock include:

1. Cattle (beef and dairy)
2. Pigs (pork)
3. Sheep (meat, wool)
4. Goats (meat, dairy)
5. Horses (meat, labor, companionship)
6. Poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks)
7. Donkeys and mules (labor)
8. Camels and llamas (labor, companionship)

Livestock can be raised on farms, ranches, or in pastoral systems as championed by MACBAN.

They also play a significant role in agriculture, food security, and local economies.

The term “livestock” distinguishes these domesticated animals from wild animals or pets, and emphasizes their utility and economic value.

Importance

According to MACBAN, livestock play a vital role in various aspects of human life, including:

1. Food security: Provide meat, dairy, eggs, and other essential nutrients.
2. Economic growth: Contribute to agricultural GDP, employment, and rural development.
3. Nutrition: Offer high-quality protein, essential micronutrients, and bioavailable nutrients.
4. Sustainable agriculture: Enhance soil fertility, structure, and biodiversity through manure and grazing.
5. Rural livelihoods: Support smallholder farmers and pastoralist communities.
6. Cultural significance: Hold cultural, religious, and symbolic value in many societies.
7. Leather and fiber production: Provide raw materials for leather goods, wool, silk, and other fibers.
8. Labor and transportation: Serve as pack animals, draft animals, and mounts.
9. Companionship: Offer emotional support and companionship as pets.
10. Ecological roles: Maintain ecosystem balance, seed dispersal, and habitat creation.
11. Research and science: Contribute to medical, genetic, and agricultural research.
12. Land management: Help maintain open spaces, grasslands, and forest ecosystems.

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Livestock are a crucial part of human societies, supporting food security, economic development, and cultural heritage, while also playing important ecological roles.

MACBAN represents the nomadic Fulani cattle breeders, a tribe known for their nomadic lifestyle.

About MACBAN

MACBAN stands for Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, a loose partisan advocacy group.

The group is centered on promoting the welfare of Fulani pastoralists in Nigeria.

Purpose and Advocacy

Founded in the early 1970s, MACBAN claims it aims to address the needs and challenges faced by cattle breeders, particularly the Fulani ethnic group.

It advocates for policies and initiatives that benefit pastoralists.

This includes issues related to livestock management, land use, and conflict resolution.

Ministry of Livestock Development

The group has hailed Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development in Nigeria.

According to Othman-Ngelzarma, the National President of MACBAN, this ministry has the potential to:

  • Boost Nigeria’s foreign earnings by enhancing the livestock sector.
  • Reduce transhumance (seasonal movement of livestock) and associated conflicts.
  • Alleviate poverty among pastoralists.
  • Create quality jobs for millions of Nigerians.
  • Unlock opportunities for veterinarians, animal scientists, beef and dairy processors, and investment bankers.
  • Contribute to Nigeria’s export of leather, beef and other livestock-related products.

Economic Impact

The livestock sector in Nigeria is currently valued at over N33 trillion, according to MACBAN.

With new investments, it is estimated to grow to over N75 trillion in the coming years, the group claims.

The establishment of this ministry can lead to significant foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria.

Beyond Cows

The livestock industry encompasses various animals, including pigs, goats, sheep, fish, donkeys, and camels, but MACBAN has its primary interest on cows.

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It provides employment across tribes and religions, involving roles such as butchers, transporters and tax collectors.

The group says its focus on livestock development aligns with economic growth, job creation and sustenance.


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