The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has urged the Kano State government to establish a Ministry of Livestock. The association expressed confidence that if this done, it would improve the welfare of herders and their livestock.
The call was made by the Kano State chairman of the association, Ambassador Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu.
Bakoji emphasised that such a ministry would help in consolidating Fulani herders in one place, where they would receive both religious and modern education, while also addressing security challenges.
“If we truly want to address security issues, state governments must emulate the federal government by creating institutions to cater to herders and Fulani people in their states,” he said. “This is why we are calling on the Kano State government to work towards establishing a ministry of livestock, which would provide them with assistance, just like farmers are given support such as seeds, fertilisers, and modern farming equipment during the planting season.”
Bakoji also highlighted MACBAN’s efforts to encourage herders to return to their settlements, aiming to reduce conflicts between farmers and herders in Kano State.
“We are urging the Fulani herders not to trespass on people’s farms, but the problem is that when a Fulani man moves his cattle, say 2,000 or 3,000, to an area without adequate grazing reserve, what can he do? All the reserves previously available were sold off by politicians, which is why we see conflicts between farmers and herders.”
He expressed optimism that the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock would help resolve these issues, adding: “It is necessary to consolidate the herders in one area so they no longer spread out. Many of them do not want to settle in one place, but it is crucial because their cattle need proper grazing. Currently, the Kano government has started a project to create a special forest where a type of grass that does not wither will be planted. The plan is to consolidate the herders in Kano State for an entire year, ensuring they will not face food shortages.”
Miyetti Allah remains the largest Fulani and herders’ association in Nigeria, having existed for over 40 years.
