The Fulani socio-cultural group, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has voiced its opposition to a bill proposing the establishment of a national agency for regulating and managing ranches in Nigeria, while pushing for the creation of a livestock ministry.
The National President, Alhaji Baba Usman Ngelzarma, announced their stance over the weekend in Damaturu, following the inauguration of the state executive council of the association.
Ngelzarma argued that the livestock sector would be better served by creating a Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development.
He suggested that such a ministry would address the entire livestock value chain better than the current legislative efforts to regulate animal husbandry and ranching.
“The entire livestock value chain issues can be addressed holistically rather than what is going on now at the National Assembly, working to create a bill for animal husbandry or ranching,” Ngelzarma stated. He stressed that a dedicated ministry would tackle production, processing, marketing, transportation, and security issues more effectively.
Ngelzarma also urged President Bola Tinubu to implement the recommendations of the Livestock Reforms and Mitigation Committee, headed by former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega. This committee was formed to find lasting solutions to the recurring farmers-herders conflicts in rural areas.
“We submitted Jega’s report on livestock reform and mitigation sometime last year. We are looking forward to the President establishing the implementation committee so that implementation of that report starts in earnest,” he said.
Meanwhile, the bill to ban open grazing and establish ranches as a solution to the frequent clashes between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders in Nigeria has passed its second reading in the Senate, following a heated debate.
Ngelzarma also urged President Bola Tinubu to implement the recommendations of the Livestock Reforms and Mitigation Committee, headed by former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega. This committee was formed to find lasting solutions to the recurring farmers-herders conflicts in rural areas.