The Nigerian livestock industry earns about $1.2 billion annually through the export of hides and skins, according to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN). The group, which advocates for the welfare of Nigerian cattle, said the area is now overpriced N33 billion and N75 billion and another is expected to increase investment in the coming years.
At a recent press conference in Abuja, MacBain President Othman Ngelzarma welcomed the creation of the new pastoral development ministry, dismissing claims that the scheme was aimed at forcibly acquiring land for the rehabilitation of herdsmen. On July 9, 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the creation of this new ministry and inaugurated the New Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, which was tasked with addressing the chronic plight of farmers and herders.
“We recognize a very important service sector that contributes 10 per cent to Nigeria’s non-oil GDP and 30 per cent to the agricultural output created. We salute the President for creating the ministry for an industry that employs over 20 million Nigerians,” Ngelzarma said.
He highlighted the revenue generating potential of the region, noting that Nigerian red Sokoto goat leather is the most valuable in the world, as it is used in luxury brands such as Gucci and Armani the “Nigeria earns about $1.2 billion annually from leather exports. Nigeria is now expected to earn more than ten times what it earns in foreign currencies,” Ngelzarma added.
Chairman McBain also highlighted potential savings in foreign currency from the new livestock program, reducing the need to import raw milk and other animal products. The agency could also earn billions from exports of leather, beef and other animal-related products.
“Nigerians in the region are employed in various ethnic and religious categories, including roles as butchers, transporters, tax collectors and dairy/beef processors. Animals are more inclusive than just cattle; That includes pigs, goats, sheep, cats, donkeys, camels and more,” Ngelzarma said.
McBain, however, expressed disappointment over some media reports suggesting that the Relief Agency was a Fulani project aimed at land grabbing. “We are all amazed by modern dairy farms overseas, and we have the natural resources to achieve similar success. To modernize our livestock system, government and the private sector must invest in critical infrastructure and services such as education, health, veterinary services, extension services and access to information and training,” Ngelzarma said.
He urged Nigeria to learn from global best practices, citing examples from Brazil, Australia and New Zealand that have successfully used dedicated agricultural and livestock ministries to transform their economies. “We need to adapt these lessons to our specific context to ensure sustainable growth and development,” concluded the MACBAN president.