By Adeyemi Adekunle
Abuja, Nigeria — In a significant move that promises to revolutionize Nigeria’s livestock industry, President Bola Tinubu has established the Ministry of Livestock Development. This landmark decision, announced on Tuesday, has been met with widespread acclaim, particularly from the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, President of MACBAN, expressed the association’s deep appreciation for the establishment of the new ministry. In an official statement, he highlighted the potential of the trillion-naira livestock sector and its capacity to generate high-quality employment opportunities across the entire value chain, thereby bolstering the Nigerian economy.
“With this development, MACBAN believes the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Othman-Ngelzarma stated.
“The promise made by President Tinubu to raise the productive capacity of Nigerian agriculture to ensure food security is being fulfilled.”
For years, MACBAN has been at the forefront of advocating for a dedicated ministry to modernize livestock production in Nigeria.
The association’s persistence has finally borne fruit with the creation of this stand-alone ministry, which aims to align livestock practices with global standards and modernize the sector.
“On behalf of the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees of MACBAN, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the entire members of the Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, we heartily congratulate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces for this wonderful development,” Othman-Ngelzarma added.
The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development is expected to bring a myriad of benefits to Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. By focusing on livestock, the ministry will address critical issues such as sustainable livestock farming, disease control, and the enhancement of meat and dairy production.
This move is seen as a strategic effort to unlock the full potential of the livestock industry, which has long been an underutilized asset in Nigeria’s economy.
The new ministry’s mandate includes creating efficient employment opportunities, ensuring food security, and enhancing the overall economic framework through livestock development. This initiative is set to transform the livelihoods of many Nigerian pastoralists and contribute significantly to national growth.
With the news of the ministry’s establishment spreads, there is a palpable sense of optimism among stakeholders in the livestock sector.
The promise of a modernized, globally competitive livestock industry in Nigeria appears closer to reality than ever before, thanks to this visionary step by President Tinubu.
