By Oluyemi Israel
In Abuja, during its recent leadership meeting, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) made a strong call to action: the Federal Government must include climate change solutions in its farming and livestock policies.
This important message was delivered on Wednesday by Malam Bello Gotomo, the National Secretary of MACBAN, after the association’s National Executive Council (EXCO) meeting.
Gotomo explained that climate change is already hurting livestock production in Nigeria. Frequent droughts, floods, shrinking grazing lands, and unpredictable weather are making life very difficult for herders and pastoral communities.
He warned that turning grazing reserves into other land uses, without involving herders, puts even more pressure on their way of life and could lead to conflict in the future. “We need fair and inclusive land policies,” he said.
In response, MACBAN is asking the government to act fast and include climate resilience strategies in national agricultural plans. They also praised several state governments for creating Ministries of Livestock, calling it a bold step toward improving the livestock industry.
The group especially commended the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms, saying its work has inspired positive change at the state level.
To support national peace and progress, MACBAN announced a new move: a nationwide biometric registration for all its members. This, they say, will help improve internal organization, identify members easily, and boost security across rural areas.
While pledging full support to security agencies, MACBAN also raised a red flag: they warned against the creation of non-official security groups (non-state actors), saying such groups often make things worse and cause abuse, especially in rural communities.
The association also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to restore peace in conflict zones like Benue State. However, they condemned recent killings in Plateau State and called attention to the growing insecurity in the region.
According to MACBAN, key issues fueling the crisis include:
-
Climate-related migration
-
Widespread weapons
-
Weak law enforcement
-
Lack of justice for past violence
Gotomo urged all sides to choose dialogue and peace over violence, and called on both federal and state governments to promote fairness and justice as a foundation for lasting peace.
In closing, the group said they are fully committed to working with all stakeholders to protect herders, improve livestock production, and build a peaceful, modern, and productive livestock industry for Nigeria.