Farmers/herders clash: MACBAN calls for livestock identification, management law

The Miyyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on the National Assembly to come up with a livestock identification and management bill.

Rising from its meeting in Abuja yesterday, MACBAN submitted that a functional livestock identification and management system in Nigeria, was not only overdue but critically important, especially as it had the capacity to bring to an end rustling and incessant farmer/herders conflicts.

When enacted, the bill, according to the group, will make it mandatory for all livestock owners in the country to register their livestock for proper identification.

In a communique signed by MACBAN’s national Secretary, Alhaji Othman Baba, the association said the bill will improve animal disease surveillance, bio-security and equally open up the livestock industry for the much needed investment.

“A functional livestock identification and management system in Nigeria, in accordance with international standards will also place our country as one of the major exporters of beef products, thereby diversifying the economy and improving on our inflow of FOREX,” he said.

The association also called on the public to always verify ownership of livestock before purchase at all cattle markets or abattoirs.

On the grazing reserve law by the Ekiti State government, MACBAN said that it would reserve its comments until it gets a copy.