The National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Baba Othman Ngelzarma, has called for the full activation of the livestock ministry to unlock the economic potential of the sector.
Ngelzarma highlighted MACBAN’s extensive efforts in fostering peace and security across Nigeria. Speaking in Jos, Plateau State, after the rescheduled MACBAN executive election, Ngelzarma emphasised the association’s pivotal role in advocating for the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development.
He noted that the ministry, a result of MACBAN’s persistent pressure on the government, was crucial to addressing the insecurity and neglect plaguing the livestock sector.
Ngelzarma expressed disappointment that, despite Nigeria’s large population, the livestock sector contributed only 10 per cent to the country’s GDP, whereas neighboring countries with similar ministries see contributions as high as 30 per cent to 50 per cent.
He called for the full activation of the ministry to unlock the economic potential of the sector and enhance its impact on Nigeria’s economy.
Similarly, the President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Gabriel Idahosa, urged the Federal Government to involve all relevant stakeholders, including farming communities, pastoralists, state governments, and private sector entities, in formulating and implementing policies and establishing clear communication channels to ensure transparency and foster stakeholder trust.
Also, the LCCI president stated that government should develop integrated land use policies that balance the needs of pastoralists and farmers, ensuring that both groups have fair access to resources and implement land acquisition and compensation frameworks that respect the rights of Indigenous communities and landowners.
Idahosa explained that government should encourage the transition from traditional nomadic grazing to modern ranching systems, which can increase productivity, reduce conflicts, and provide incentives for private sector investment in ranching infrastructure, including access to credit, technical assistance, and subsidies.
In addition, the LCCI boss charged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to enhance security in rural areas to protect both farmers and pastoralists from violence and theft and implement community policing and conflict resolution mechanisms to address disputes promptly and fairly.
In addition, he stated that government should carefully plan inclusive policies and sustainable practices essential to ensure this initiative contributes positively to national development and social harmony.
Idahosa stressed:“Government should encourage Pastoralist clusters at the local government levels for ranching effectiveness. “There is also need for government to educate and train pastoralists on modern-day ranching.
“At the same, creating awareness on the implications of open grazing and the advantages of ranching.”