The Nigerian Presidency recently met with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to address two major issues: straying cows in Abuja and the high number of out-of-school children among pastoralist families.
The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Livestock Development, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, spoke on behalf of the Presidency, insisted that the administration was determined to tackle the problem of straying cattle in Abuja once and for all.
The Presidency aims to stop cows from roaming Abuja’s streets by working with MACBAN to establish grazing reserves and ranches with essential facilities like veterinary services, water, and schools.
“We must first solve the issue of grazing reserves. We are working on ranches, Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones, reviving reserves, providing feeds and ranches where pastoralists can find a safe zone with social amenities, water, veterinary clinics and healthcare.” Abiola-Ajimobi said.
On education matter MACBAN’s National President, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, acknowledged that 80% of Nigeria’s estimated 20 million out-of-school children come from pastoralist families. The government plans to provide nomadic schools and other educational facilities to encourage these children to attend school.
The government will revive and develop grazing reserves, providing amenities like veterinary clinics, mini-dams, electricity, and healthcare services to support pastoralists.
Ranches will also be provided with aim to give pastoralists safe spaces for their livestock, reducing conflicts with urban residents.
The Federal Ministry of Education will work with MACBAN to provide inclusive education solutions, ensuring pastoralist children have access to functional learning.
Critics worry that the government’s promises may not translate into tangible results, citing past failed initiatives like the “Ruga” settlement scheme and the “National Livestock Transformation Plan”.
