Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has commended the present administration’s effort to revive the livestock industry by creating livestock ministry for economic sustainability and development of the none oil sector.
The National President of the Association Baba Othman Ngelzarma made the commendation while briefing newsmen on the position of MACBAN regarding the creation of the Ministry for Livestock, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The MACBAN President said the creation of the Ministry if properly managed would contributes 10 percent GDP to Nigeria’s non-oil sector and 30 percent of Agricultural GDP.
He added that the Ministry has the potential of unlocking millions of additional quality jobs at a time when Nigeria is battling with high level of unemployed graduate youths.
Baba Orthman explained that livestock sector was currently valued at over N33 trillion and with the envisaged new investments, it’s estimated to grow to over 75 trillion in few years to come.
MACBAN President assured that the newly established Blue Economy and revamped livestock production system will save Nigeria billions of dollars in foreign exchange by reducing the need to import powdered milk and other livestock products.
According to him, the country will also be well-positioned to earn billions from the export of leather, beef, and other livestock-related value chain products.
Baba Orthman also noted that the livestock sector, as it stands today, employs Nigerians from various tribes and religions, including roles such as butchers, transporters, tax collectors, and dairy/beef producers.
He emphasized that livestock encompasses more than just cows, including pigs, goats, sheep, fish, donkeys, camels, and more.
He therefore expressed their disappointment over the comments made by some well-educated individuals in various media interviews.”These individuals blamed the creation of the ministry on the Ruga project of the previous administration, insinuating that it is solely a Fulani affair and an attempt to forcibly take other people’s land to resettle pastoralists”.
The president argued that these myopic commentators were so entrenched in anti- Fulani sentiment that they failed to see the bigger picture and the opportunities open to veterinarians, animal scientist, beef and dairy processors, range managers, investment bankers, etc.
Baba Othman further appealed to the media to create awareness at all levels that would promote cohesiveness and highlight the opportunities prevalent in this sector.
Given the biting food inflation and high levels of unemployment, the media should be at the forefront of marketing these opportunities rather than fostering divisiveness that deters private investment and hinders the improvement of the nation’s economy.
Cov/Bashir M
