2027: Pastoralists Rally Behind Tinubu, Hail Livestock Reforms, Pledge Massive Support

“Livestock farmers, pastoralists, ranchers, dairy farmers, livestock traders, dealers, transporters, butchers, processors and marketers, this is your own ministry. Take it, own it and use it to improve your livelihood, build peace, harmony and shared prosperity." ..... Declares Maiha

.... As Miyetti Allah, 65 Commodity Associations Endorse Reforms, FG Completes Seven Veterinary Hospitals, Begins 14 Others

By Emmanuel Oyoyo-Onotevure

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, pastoralist organisations across Nigeria have rallied support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending his administration for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and initiating reforms aimed at transforming the livestock sector into a major driver of economic growth.

The groups, which pledged continued support for the administration, described the creation of the Ministry as a historic achievement capable of addressing decades of neglect, persistent farmer-herder conflicts and economic challenges confronting pastoral communities.

The endorsement came on Saturday, October 31, 2026, during a One-Day Grand National Thank You Rally organised by a coalition of pastoralist organisations, drawing participants from across the country.

The event attracted representatives of state governments, livestock farmers, ranchers, processors, marketers, commodity associations and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.

Speaking at the rally, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the establishment of the Ministry in July 2024 as a landmark decision that had given the livestock sector long-awaited institutional recognition.

“Livestock farmers, pastoralists, ranchers, dairy farmers, livestock traders, dealers, transporters, butchers, processors and marketers, this is your own ministry. Take it, own it and use it to improve your livelihood, build peace, harmony and shared prosperity,” Maiha declared.

The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government had completed seven modern veterinary hospitals, while 14 others were at various stages of development.

He said the administration was intensifying interventions in animal disease control, veterinary services, pasture and fodder development, livestock breeding, dairy production and investment promotion.

Maiha urged pastoralist associations to collaborate with government authorities in addressing production challenges, improving market access and promoting peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

He stressed that dialogue, responsible management of land and water resources, and peaceful dispute resolution remained critical to ending recurring conflicts.

Tinubu Deserves Support in 2027 — Kaduna Gov

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Murtala Mohammed Dabo, applauded Tinubu for recognising the economic potential of livestock development.

He highlighted his administration's investments in solar-powered water facilities for pastoral communities, livestock vaccination, artificial insemination, pasture development and modernisation of abattoirs.

"Mr. President has told us, livestock is not conflict, livestock is wealth. Pastoralists are not a problem; pastoralists are partners...So, Mr. President, we deeply appreciate your gesture in creating the Ministry of Livestock and this is a demonstration that come 2027, by the grace of God, it will just be a knockout," the Governor said.

Miyetti Allah Hails Tinubu, Seeks Lasting Peace

Also speaking, the National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, described the establishment of the Ministry as the fulfilment of a decades-long demand by pastoralist communities.

Ngelzarma lamented that years of neglect had contributed to farmer-herder conflicts, cattle rustling, kidnapping and banditry, with devastating consequences for both farmers and pastoralists.

“The Ministry was created specifically to address the issue of peacebuilding, and that is what the Minister is doing. Peacebuilding is our concern. It is not only the concern of the farmers; it is also our concern,” he stated.

He expressed optimism that sustained implementation of the reforms would improve security, strengthen livestock productivity and promote peaceful coexistence.

Similarly, the National President of Miyetti Allah Pulaku Yeso Yeso Development Association, MAFYDA, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, commended Maiha for his commitment to repositioning the sector.

Suleiman urged pastoralist communities to sustain their support for the administration's initiatives, describing the reforms as a major opportunity to improve livelihoods.

The President of the Federation of Agricultural and Commodity Associations of Nigeria, Mr. Sherif Balogun, who represents over 65 commodity associations, also expressed support for the government's livestock development agenda.

Balogun said the ongoing reforms were creating opportunities for increased agricultural productivity, processing, exports and investment across the livestock value chain.

Other stakeholders called for sustained government intervention in livestock security, infrastructure development and access to economic opportunities, stressing that the sector could contribute significantly to national food security and job creation.

Pastoralists Present Fulani Hat to Tinubu

In a symbolic demonstration of appreciation, the coalition presented President Tinubu with a traditional Fulani hat in recognition of his decision to establish the Ministry.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, received the gift on behalf of the President.

The rally ended with renewed commitments by participating organisations to support livestock reforms, strengthen collaboration with government and promote peaceful coexistence between pastoralists and farming communities nationwide.