Presidency, Miyetti Allah Dialogue to End Cows Roaming Abuja Streets

The Presidency on Friday clarified that its dialogue with the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) was aimed at stopping cows from roaming the streets of Abuja.

The meeting, held at the instance of the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of MACBAN’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, alongside the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, sought long-term solutions to challenges facing pastoralists.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to resolving pastoralist issues.

“We are here for a stakeholders’ engagement meeting… to let livestock stakeholders understand the efforts of President Tinubu’s administration. We are working with the Ministry of Livestock Development and other agencies to address root causes,” he said.

On the issue of cows roaming the capital, he added:
“We must first solve the issue of grazing reserves. We are working on ranches, reviving grazing reserves, providing feeds, and developing safe zones with basic amenities like water, veterinary clinics, and healthcare.”

Dr. Balarabe Kakale, Special Assistant to the Minister of Education on Almajiri and Out-of-School-Children Education, said the meeting also considered inclusive education solutions.

“They are ready to partner with the Ministry of Livestock Development’s sustainable grazing plan, provided amenities such as schools, electricity, water, and clinics are available. This will also help tackle the challenge of out-of-school children,” Kakale said.

MACBAN National President, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, confirmed that the gathering focused on curbing the movement of cattle within Abuja city centre.

“We also addressed the issue of education, particularly out-of-school children. Out of about 20 million in Nigeria, we believe 80% are pastoralist children. We want to make Abuja a model—start practising it here and see how it works. Families whose cows roam the city were invited to share their experiences and solutions,” he stated.

He disclosed that a committee would be established to develop lasting strategies to stop cattle from roaming Abuja streets.