The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has applauded President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development, predicting significant economic benefits from the initiative. MACBAN believes the new ministry will enhance Nigeria’s foreign earnings and address issues related to transhumance, poverty, and conflicts linked to outdated livestock practices.
Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, the national president of MACBAN, expressed these views during a news briefing on Sunday in Abuja. He emphasized that the livestock sector, currently valued at over N33 trillion, is poised for exponential growth. “With the envisaged new investments, it is estimated to grow to over N75 trillion in a few years,” he stated.
Othman-Ngelzarma highlighted the potential of a revitalized livestock production system to save Nigeria billions of dollars in foreign exchange currently spent on importing powdered milk and other livestock products. “Like the blue economy, a renewed livestock production system will save Nigeria billions of dollars and significantly increase our foreign exchange earnings,” he noted.
He further projected that Nigeria could earn more than ten times its current foreign exchange from livestock products. “By 2050, when the Nigerian population will be about 402 million, the nutritional needs must also increase alongside the population growth. Enhancing livestock production can substantially meet these protein requirements, which can best be achieved under a dedicated ministry,” he explained.
The MACBAN president also drew attention to the high value of Nigerian livestock products on the global market, particularly the Sokoto red-skin goat leather. “The Sokoto red-skin goat leather is the most valuable and most expensive leather in the world. The Gucci and Armani bags are a good testament to this. Nigeria earns about $1.2 billion annually from the export of hide and skin,” he said.
Othman-Ngelzarma underscored the importance of the Ministry of Livestock Development in implementing policies that would modernize livestock production, thereby reducing conflicts between farmers and herders. He pointed out that a dedicated ministry could focus on improving infrastructure, veterinary services, and market access for livestock producers, fostering a more sustainable and profitable industry.
