The Federal Government and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) have initiated talks aimed at ending the movement of cattle through Abuja’s city centre.
The high-level dialogue, held at the National Mosque over the weekend, was convened by the Chairman of MACBAN’s Board of Trustees and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, in collaboration with the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha.
Addressing pastoralist leaders from across the area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to resolving the challenges facing herders.
“This is a stakeholders’ engagement to update livestock owners on the government’s efforts. We are working with the Ministry of Livestock Development and other relevant agencies to tackle the root causes of these issues,” he said.
According to him, the administration is focused on reviving grazing reserves, establishing ranches, and developing Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones. These initiatives, he explained, would provide pastoralists with access to feed, water, veterinary services, healthcare, and other basic amenities—reducing the need for cattle to roam in urban areas.
Also speaking at the event, the Special Assistant to the Minister of Education on Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, Dr. Balarabe Kakale, emphasized the role of education in addressing the broader challenges facing pastoralist communities.
“The stakeholders—particularly MACBAN leaders in Abuja and neighbouring states—agreed to partner with the Ministry of Livestock Development on sustainable grazing solutions, with education as a central component,” Kakale said.
