After we endorsed Buhari in 2019, he abandoned us—Miyetti Allah

Head Muhammadu Buhari overlooked herders despite having their backing, according to Baba Ngelzarma, national president of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

This was said on Saturday in an interview with media in Abuja by the association’s newly elected president, Ngelzarma, a former secretary of the organization.

The president said that although significant quantities of money have been allocated for the country’s agricultural growth, little to no funding has been set up for animal husbandry.

“We supported Buhari on the eve of the previous election that gave him a second term. We demonstrated to the world our support for him, but since then, as I talk to you, nothing has been done.

“Buhari has neglected the herdsmen. It is quite evident that the government has abandoned the pastoralists, whether it is Buhari or one of his lieutenants. Nothing substantive has happened in the previous eight years… Almost little money was spent on cattle, although nearly N500 billion was spent on agronomy.

“Check the financial provisions of the federal government as well as the whole state government. You will be shocked by the livestock budget if you look at it.

“Livestock is being utterly ignored.”

Ngelzarma said that even though MACBAN is pleased with the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), it will not significantly help pastoralists with their issues.