The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has praised President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Livestock Development. Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, President of MACBAN, highlighted that this ministry aims to unlock the trillion-naira livestock economy and create qualitative and productive jobs across the livestock value chain, ultimately improving the Nigerian economy.
Othman-Ngelzarma noted that the new ministry fulfills the promises made under Tinubu’s Renew Hope Agenda to raise the productive capacity of Nigerian agriculture and ensure food security. He expressed MACBAN’s longstanding advocacy for a standalone ministry to modernize livestock production in line with global best practices.
He pledged MACBAN’s support to the federal government in turning livestock production into a foreign exchange earner, reducing farmer-herder conflicts, and addressing related security challenges. The association, including its Chairman and members, along with the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, congratulated President Tinubu on this historic development.
President Tinubu announced the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the Council Chambers of the State House in Abuja. Tinubu, who chairs the committee, appointed Prof. Attahiru Jega as the deputy or co-chair. The president emphasized the unique opportunity to develop the economy and excel in livestock development, leveraging the expertise of veterinary doctors and addressing conflicts related to livestock. Present at the inauguration were Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Sen. George Akume, and Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.