By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027, citing the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as a major achievement that has restored hope among pastoralists and livestock farmers.
The endorsement adds another political group to the growing list of organisations declaring support for Tinubu ahead of the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
MACBAN National President, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, announced the association’s position on Saturday, October 31, 2026, during a political rally in Kaduna.
The rally was organised by the Fulbe APC Forum and Tinubu Yeso-Yeso Political Forum (TYPF), alongside other pastoralist and livestock stakeholders.
Ngelzarma said the decision reflected appreciation for what he described as the Tinubu administration’s recognition of the livestock sector after decades of neglect.
He maintained that pastoralists and cattle breeders had advocated for a dedicated federal ministry for many years before the present administration established one.
“The creation of the livestock ministry is something we have been advocating for and looking forward to for decades,” he said.
He added that MACBAN was pledging its support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 in appreciation of the initiative.
Tinubu’s Livestock Ministry: What MACBAN Is Celebrating
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was established on July 9, 2024, following recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms.
The ministry was created to give livestock production dedicated government attention, improve animal husbandry and address longstanding structural problems affecting the industry.
Before its establishment, livestock development was largely administered under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The new ministry is expected to coordinate policies covering cattle breeding, ranch development, veterinary services, animal disease control, feed production, meat processing and investment in livestock infrastructure.
For pastoralists, the development represents an institutional recognition of their economic activities and the need for policies specifically addressing their challenges.
The initiative has also encouraged discussions about establishing dedicated livestock development institutions at state level.
Tinubu’s Livestock Reform Targets $74 Billion Economy
Beyond its political significance, the livestock ministry forms part of the Federal Government’s broader economic diversification strategy.
According to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Nigeria’s livestock industry currently contributes approximately $32 billion to the national economy.
The government is targeting an expansion of that contribution to at least $74 billion by 2035 through improved productivity, investment and modern livestock management.
The National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) is designed to achieve this ambition through a 10-pillar development framework.
Its priorities include animal health, improved breeds, feed and water availability, access to finance, infrastructure, peacebuilding, research and stronger participation by women and young people.
The Federal Government has also been exploring partnerships with state governments and private investors to establish commercially viable livestock development centres.
The proposed centres are expected to support breeding, dairy production, feed manufacturing, meat processing, abattoirs, cold-chain facilities and leather production.
In another significant development, the Nigeria Livestock Master Plan, prepared with support from the International Livestock Research Institute, provides a longer-term framework for transforming the sector between 2026 and 2040.
These programmes suggest that the ministry’s importance extends beyond pastoralist interests to food security, employment generation, agricultural investment and national economic growth.
Farmer-Herder Conflicts Remain a Major Test
Despite the establishment of the ministry, the persistent conflict between farmers and herders remains one of the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s livestock industry.
Disputes over grazing routes, farmland destruction, access to water, land ownership and competition over natural resources have contributed to insecurity and loss of livelihoods in several parts of the country.
The consequences have extended beyond pastoral communities, affecting farming activities, food production, rural economies and relations between different ethnic and occupational groups.
The Federal Government has repeatedly presented livestock reforms as part of its strategy for addressing these problems.
However, the success of the ministry will ultimately depend on effective implementation, cooperation with state governments, protection of property rights and the development of sustainable livestock production systems.
The government has also acknowledged that peacebuilding must remain central to livestock development.
For MACBAN, therefore, the creation of the ministry is an important political and institutional achievement.
Nevertheless, pastoralists and other stakeholders will expect measurable improvements in security, access to grazing resources, veterinary services, productivity and the profitability of livestock businesses.
MACBAN Endorsement Adds to Tinubu’s Growing 2027 Support
The endorsement comes amid increasing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
President Tinubu has already received endorsements from several political stakeholders and groups, including APC governors and political mobilisation organisations.
On October 10, 2026, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and six APC governors from the North-Central region endorsed Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima for another term. Federal Ministry of Information
Tinubu also launched his re-election campaign in Kaduna on October 24, 2026, against the backdrop of economic hardship and continuing security concerns.
The 2027 contest is expected to feature significant political competition, with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi among the prominent opposition figures. Reuters
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027.
MACBAN’s endorsement is particularly significant because it comes from an association representing cattle breeders and pastoralist interests across Nigeria.
However, the political declaration should not automatically be interpreted as the commitment of every Fulani person, pastoralist or livestock farmer to vote for Tinubu.
Individual voting decisions will depend on several political, economic, security and social considerations.
Political Endorsement Versus Electoral Performance
Although endorsements can strengthen a candidate’s political mobilisation, they do not necessarily translate into votes at the polling stations.
Tinubu’s administration will face questions about the cost of living, food prices, unemployment, insecurity, electricity supply and the overall impact of its economic reforms.
In northern Nigeria, where pastoralist communities have considerable economic and social interests, livestock development and security will likely remain important political issues.
The administration will also be expected to demonstrate that the livestock ministry is delivering tangible benefits beyond the creation of a new government institution.
For MACBAN, the endorsement represents an expression of confidence in Tinubu’s livestock policy.
For the President, however, converting that political goodwill into broader electoral support will require demonstrable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
The central question ahead of 2027 is whether the establishment of the livestock ministry will translate into lasting economic opportunities, improved pastoralist welfare, reduced farmer-herder conflicts and greater national food security.
™️©️ Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong, CEO/EiC www.efeederstation.com
