The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria on Wednesday called on the federal government to integrate climate resilience strategies into national livestock and agricultural planning.

Its national secretary, Bello Gotomo, in a statement issued at the end of the association’s National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja, raised alarm over the growing impact of climate change on livestock production, saying that the frequency of droughts, floods, loss of pastureland, and erratic weather patterns was undermining pastoral livelihoods.

He said during its recently concluded EXCO meeting, the association acknowledged the growing number of state governments that had established ministries of livestock.

Mr Gotomo described the development as a bold and commendable move towards transforming Nigeria’s livestock industry.

He commended the presidential committee on livestock reforms, whose diligent work and recommendations were instrumental in inspiring these state-level initiatives.

Mr Gotomo assured that MACBAN would collaborate with the ministries and all the stakeholders to ensure sustainable livestock development in the country.

He, however, said the EXCO expressed serious concern over the ongoing conversion of designated grazing reserves into other land uses without due cognisance of the pastoral communities.

Mr Gotomo added, ”The EXCO observed that such actions further marginalise pastoral communities and could fuel future conflicts if not addressed through inclusive and just land use policies.”

On the issue of national security, he stated that MACBAN reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the security agencies in their constitutional role of maintaining peace throughout the country.

”The council, however, cautioned strongly against the formation and empowerment of non-state actors as parallel security outfits. Such entities often worsen insecurity and lead to abuse of power, especially in rural communities,” Mr Gotomo said.

He, however, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his continuous efforts to address insecurity in the country.

Mr Gotomo, who commended the president’s concern and initiatives aimed at restoring peace in Benue, pledged the association’s full support for peacebuilding efforts.

He said, ”The EXCO condemned the recent wave of senseless killings in Plateau State and expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region.

”The council identified several key factors impeding peace on the Plateau, including climate-induced migration, the proliferation of weapons, weak law enforcement, and the persistent lack of justice for past killings.”

Mr Gotomo appealed to all parties to embrace dialogue and called on the federal and state governments to ensure justice and equitable law enforcement as the foundations for lasting peace.

The national secretary disclosed that the EXCO approved the commencement of a nationwide data capture and biometric registration of all MACBAN members.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at enhancing internal organisation, ensuring proper identification of members, supporting law enforcement efforts, and contributing to the country’s broader national security architecture.

”The meeting concluded with a strong resolve to work with all stakeholders in building peace, improving pastoral welfare, and transforming the Nigerian livestock sector into a modern, productive, and peaceful economic driver,” he said. 

(NAN)