The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has reaffirmed its role as a non-religious, non-political trade group focused on livestock improvement, distancing itself from portrayals as an ethnic militia.
In an exclusive interview with Ireti Bakare-Yusuf on Borderlines, MACBAN President Baba Othman Ngelzarma stressed the group’s mission to modernise cattle rearing, protect grazing rights, and mediate farmer-herder conflicts.
“MACBAN is a non-violence, non-political, and non-religious group. It’s a trade group,” he said.
Founded in 1986, MACBAN welcomes cattle breeders regardless of ethnicity or religion, despite public perception linking it mostly to the Fulani, who own about 95% of Nigeria’s cattle.
“We have members who are not Fulanis. And we have members who are not Muslims,” Ngelzarma added.
He highlighted the sector’s neglected state, pointing out that livestock contributes only 10-12% to Nigeria’s GDP despite the country’s vast herd.
The president called for government support similar to infrastructure built for private airlines and road users, noting, “The government has a duty to provide for its citizens.”
Ngelzarma also emphasised the dangers herders face due to inadequate grazing reserves and threats from rustlers and kidnappers.
He praised the creation of the new Ministry of Livestock under President Bola Tinubu as a positive step toward modernization and economic growth.
Finally, the MACBAN leader corrected misconceptions about cattle ownership, confirming that most cattle belong to pastoralists themselves, not wealthy city elites.
“Modernisation and cooperation are key to resolving Nigeria’s livestock challenges,” he concluded, urging greater public understanding and government involvement.
