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 enhance productivity, improve livelihoods and accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The call was made by the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, while representing the Federal Government at the two-day National Conference of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), held on 29 July 2026 in Abuja.
The Minister noted that, pastoralist associations command the trust and confidence of livestock producers across the country, making them critical partners in ensuring that herders and other livestock farmers benefit from the numerous programmes and interventions of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
He emphasised that the enormous potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry can only be fully realised through sustained collaboration among government, pastoralist associations, development partners and the private sector.
As part of ongoing reforms in the sector, the Minister announced that the Ministry will soon commence the implementation of the National Animal Identification, Tagging and Traceability System, a nationwide programme that will 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 national efforts to curb cattle rustling and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.
Maiha also highlighted ,other key 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 explained that , upon the commencement of the programme, all livestock owners would be required to register and tag their animals, while urging MACBAN and other pastoralist associations to mobilise their members to embrace the initiative and ensure full compliance nationwide.
The Minister expressed, satisfaction with the attendance of members of the National Executive Council, Zonal Coordinators and State Chairmen of MACBAN, alongside representatives of other pastoralist associations, describing the conference as a clear demonstration of the unity and cooperation required to drive sustainable livestock development in Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, described the conference as more than a gathering of pastoralists, saying it provides 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 immense contributions of pastoralists to Nigeria’s agricultural economy through the production of meat, milk and other livestock products, while expressing concern over the challenges posed by 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 unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and all forms of violent criminality, stressing that criminal activities should never be associated with any ethnic group, religion or occupation.
He reaffirmed MACBAN’s commitment to working closely with security agencies by encouraging its members to cooperate with lawful authorities and reject criminality in all its forms. He also advocated increased investment in climate-smart livestock production, pasture development, water infrastructure, rangeland restoration and sustainable land-use planning to boost productivity and minimise resource-based conflicts.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s livestock sector, the MACBAN President conferred an Award of Excellence on the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing the decision as a landmark step towards repositioning Nigeria’s 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 assured Nigerians of the traditional institution’s continued collaboration with security agencies to eliminate criminal elements operating within pastoral communities.
While commending the nation’s security agencies for their resilience and 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 need for law-abiding conduct among livestock producers.
Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director
Press and Public Relations Department
29th July 2026
