MIYETTI ALLAH OPENS MEMBERSHIP TO ALL NIGERIANS, SAYS ASSOCIATION IS NOT ETHNIC OR RELIGIOUS

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has invited Nigerians across the country, particularly people involved in livestock production, to join the association, insisting that its membership is open to everyone regardless of tribe, religion or ethnic background.

The association made the announcement in a statement issued by Yusuf Abubakar, Special Assistant on Digital Media and Publicity to the National President of MACBAN, on Sunday.

MACBAN described itself as a non-partisan, non-religious and ethics-driven association established to represent the interests of its members and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s livestock industry.

According to the association, its activities are not restricted to members of any particular ethnic group or religion, despite its historical association with cattle breeders and pastoralist communities.

MACBAN said its primary objective is to promote the welfare and economic interests of livestock producers while contributing to the growth of the livestock sector and the broader Nigerian economy.

The association therefore called on livestock producers from different parts of the country to participate in its activities, stressing that interested Nigerians can register through the organisation’s state chapters.

“Membership is open to all, irrespective of tribe, religion, or ethnic background,” the association said, adding that MACBAN should be viewed as an organisation for Nigerians committed to developing livestock production.

The group said expanding its membership would enable it to become a stronger and more representative organisation capable of addressing challenges facing livestock producers across the country.

MACBAN also called for greater unity among livestock producers, saying a broader membership would help the association reflect the diversity of Nigeria and strengthen its ability to engage government and other stakeholders on issues affecting the livestock industry.

The association urged interested individuals to register through their respective state chapters, where they would be welcomed and integrated into its programmes and activities.

MACBAN said it hoped the initiative would help build an organisation that was “stronger, more united and more impactful” while promoting cooperation among livestock producers across the country.

The latest declaration comes amid longstanding debates over the identity and role of pastoralist associations in Nigeria, particularly against the background of farmer-herder conflicts, cattle rustling, insecurity and disagreements over grazing and access to land.

MACBAN has repeatedly maintained that it represents the economic and welfare interests of cattle breeders and pastoralists and has rejected attempts to associate the organisation itself with criminal activities.

The association has also previously denied involvement in banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and cattle rustling, arguing that criminal elements should not be identified with the wider community of livestock producers and pastoralists.

The organisation has maintained that many peaceful pastoralists have themselves suffered from cattle rustling, attacks and insecurity in different parts of the country.

The issue remains particularly sensitive in Nigeria because clashes between farmers and herders have contributed to deaths, displacement and destruction of property in several states, especially across parts of the North-Central and northwestern regions.

Communities affected by the conflicts have frequently called for stronger action against armed groups accused of attacking farmers and rural settlements, while pastoralist groups have also complained of attacks on herders and cattle theft.

The Federal Government has in recent months placed greater emphasis on modernising Nigeria’s livestock sector as part of efforts to increase productivity and reduce some of the longstanding tensions surrounding pastoralism.

In July 2026, the Federal Government urged pastoralist associations, including MACBAN, to encourage their members to adopt modern livestock production techniques.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development said pastoralist associations were important partners in helping livestock producers benefit from government programmes and interventions.

The government has also announced plans to introduce a National Animal Identification, Tagging and Traceability System, under which livestock would be digitally registered and identified.

The initiative is expected to improve livestock identification and traceability, strengthen animal-health management and assist efforts to combat cattle rustling and reduce farmer-herder conflicts.

The Federal Government has also highlighted other measures, including the rehabilitation of veterinary clinics, expansion of water infrastructure, promotion of commercial pasture and fodder production and efforts to improve the quality of indigenous livestock breeds.

MACBAN’s latest membership drive could therefore place the association in a broader position within ongoing efforts to reorganise Nigeria’s livestock industry.

However, the organisation continues to face criticism from sections of Nigerian society who argue that pastoralist associations have historically played a controversial role in debates surrounding insecurity and farmer-herder violence.

MACBAN has rejected such characterisations and insists that it is an economic association representing livestock producers rather than a militant or criminal organisation.

The association has also argued that violent criminals operating in rural communities should not be used to stereotype or criminalise all Fulani pastoralists and livestock producers.

At the same time, farming communities affected by attacks have continued to demand accountability for individuals accused of participating in violence, regardless of their ethnic or occupational background.

The competing narratives have made farmer-herder relations one of Nigeria’s most politically and socially sensitive security issues, with calls for dialogue, improved livestock management, stronger law enforcement and better mechanisms for resolving disputes over land and water.

By inviting all Nigerians to join, MACBAN is seeking to emphasise that its activities are centred on livestock production rather than ethnicity or religion.

The association said its vision is to promote a united livestock sector capable of contributing more significantly to Nigeria’s food supply, economic development and national prosperity.

MACBAN further urged Nigerians interested in livestock production to take advantage of the invitation and register through their respective state chapters.

Street News Reporters reports that the development comes as Nigeria continues to search for sustainable solutions to farmer-herder conflicts, livestock insecurity and the challenges associated with the country’s traditional pastoralist system.

The success of such efforts will depend not only on wider participation in livestock associations but also on effective enforcement of laws, protection of farming communities, modern livestock management and accountability for criminal activities committed by individuals, regardless of their ethnic or occupational identity.