Critics Of Tinubu Livestock Ministry Narrow-Minded — MACBAN

• MACBAN believes the new Ministry of Livestock Development can significantly increase Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings from livestock production
• The association emphasized the ministry’s potential to contribute to economic diversification, growth, job creation, food security, and GDP strengthening

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has criticized those opposing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development. During a media conference in Abuja, the association’s president, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, emphasized the potential economic benefits of the new ministry, stating that Nigeria could significantly increase its foreign exchange earnings from livestock production.

Othman-Ngelzarma highlighted that MACBAN believes a renewed livestock production system can save Nigeria billions of dollars in foreign exchange. He urged critics to broaden their perspective and consider how the ministry could contribute to economic diversification, growth, job creation, food security, and adopting global best practices to strengthen the GDP.

“To the critics, I urge them to abandon their narrow-minded thinking. They should consider the bigger picture of how this ministry can strategically help President Tinubu’s administration achieve economic diversification, growth, job creation, food security, and adaptation of global best practices for a stronger GDP,” Othman-Ngelzarma said.

He noted that the livestock sector is valued at over N33 trillion and could grow to over N75 trillion with new investments in the coming years. The MACBAN president also pointed out that the livestock sector employs Nigerians across various tribes and religions, including butchers, transporters, tax collectors, and dairy/beef producers.

“By 2050, Nigeria’s population will be around 402 million. The need for nutrition must also increase alongside this growth. Enhancing livestock production can significantly increase protein intake, which can be best achieved through a dedicated ministry,” Othman-Ngelzarma said.

He added that a dedicated ministry could better manage issues like animal tagging, pastoralist data collection, transportation, migration route management, and peacebuilding. The MACBAN president praised the creation of the ministry for an industry that currently employs over 20 million Nigerians and has the potential to unlock millions of additional quality jobs amid high levels of graduate and youth unemployment.