The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has said that Nigeria earns approximately $1.2 billion annually from the export of hides and skin from the livestock sector.
The association, which advocates for the welfare of pastoralists in Nigeria, noted that the country’s livestock sector is currently valued at over N33 trillion, with expectations to grow to over N75 trillion in the coming years due to new investments.
During a press briefing in Abuja, MACBAN President Othman Ngelzarma commended the creation of the new Ministry of Livestock Development and dismissed concerns that the initiative aimed to forcibly acquire land for resettling pastoralists.
On July 9, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development and inaugurated the Renewed Hope livestock reform implementation committee. This committee is tasked with providing sector-focused solutions to the long-standing farmers-herders conflict.
“We welcome the creation of this very important ministry that contributes 10 percent of Gross Domestic Product to Nigeria’s non-oil sector and 30 percent of agricultural GDP,” Ngelzarma said. “We salute the President for creating a ministry for an industry that employs over 20 million Nigerians.”
Highlighting the sector’s income generation, Ngelzarma mentioned, “For instance, the Sokoto red skin goat leather is the most valuable and expensive 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 hides and skin. It is projected that Nigeria will earn more than ten times what it earns now in foreign exchange.”
He explained that, similar to the newly created blue economy, a revitalized livestock production system could save Nigeria billions of dollars in foreign exchange by reducing the importation of powdered milk and other livestock products. The country could also potentially earn billions from the export of leather, beef, and other livestock-related products.
Ngelzarma emphasized that the sector employs Nigerians from various backgrounds, including butchers, transporters, tax collectors, and dairy/beef producers.
He noted, “When we talk of livestock, it goes beyond cows. We are talking of pigs, goats, sheep, fish, donkeys, camels, etc.”
MACBAN expressed disappointment over comments suggesting that the livestock ministry is solely a Fulani initiative or an attempt to forcibly acquire land.
Ngelzarma stated, “We all marvel at the sight of modern dairy farms in other countries. We have abundant natural resources to be like the developed world if the government and private sector invest in essential infrastructure and services such as education, healthcare, veterinary services, extension services, access to information, and training. This will provide the needed skills and capacity to transform from traditional to modern livestock production.”
He urged Nigeria to learn from global best practices, citing countries like Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand, which have successfully leveraged dedicated agricultural and livestock ministries to transform their economies. “We must learn from them and tailor it to suit our unique context, ensuring sustainable growth and development,” Ngelzarma concluded.