Presidency Holds Dialogue with MACBAN Leaders to Stop Cows Roaming Abuja Streets
The Presidency has held a meeting with leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and other stakeholders to address the recurring problem of cattle roaming the streets of Abuja. The talks focused on short- and long-term measures — including revival of grazing reserves, establishment of ranches and designated pastoral settlements, and improved amenities for pastoralist communities — aimed at preventing livestock from straying into city centres. 0
What happened
According to reports, representatives of the Presidency convened a dialogue with MACBAN leaders and other relevant officials to discuss the causes and possible remedies for livestock movement into Abuja proper. Attendees reportedly included senior pastoralist leaders (including figures linked to MACBAN and traditional leadership), officials from the Ministry of Livestock Development, and representatives of the Federal Capital Territory administration. 1
Main points agreed / discussed
- Grazing reserves & ranches: Participants stressed reviving and safeguarding grazing reserves and accelerating plans for ranching as a structural solution to reduce open grazing in and around the FCT. 2
- Designated settlements & amenities: The meeting emphasised creating safe pastoral settlements with essential services — water points, veterinary clinics, schools for pastoralist children, and access roads — to encourage herders to keep livestock off city streets. 3
- Joint committees & follow-up: Reports indicate a committee or working group will be set up to draft concrete, implementable proposals and timelines for the FCT and neighbouring states. 4
Context — why this matters
The presence of cattle on major roads and in built-up neighbourhoods in Abuja has been reported periodically over the past few years, creating traffic disruptions, safety risks and public-health concerns. The issue is part of a broader national challenge around pastoralism, shrinking grazing land, urban expansion and resources availability that push pastoralists and their herds closer to city centres. 5
Voices from the meeting
“We must first solve the issue of grazing reserves; we are working on ranches and other measures to address why livestock move into the streets,” said one senior representative quoted in coverage of the meeting. 6
MACBAN-aligned sources in the coverage emphasised willingness to cooperate with government efforts, but several reports also noted that implementing infrastructure-heavy solutions (ranches, clinics, schools) will require budgetary commitment and sustained coordination between federal, state and traditional authorities. 7
What’s next — implementation and the caveats
While the dialogue is a concrete diplomatic step, media accounts caution that dialogue alone does not immediately stop livestock from appearing in the city. Observers and some civil-society commentators stress that the real test will be timely funding, clear allocation of land/space for pastoral settlements, enforcement of agreed guidelines, and periodic monitoring — otherwise the problem is likely to recur. 8
Background reading & similar past actions
Government–pastoralist agreements and pledges to keep cattle off Abuja streets are not new: previous administrations and pastoralist bodies have made similar public commitments tied to major events (for example, prior pledges made during national events to keep the city centre clear). The recurring nature of the issue underscores the need for durable land-use planning and pastoralist welfare programmes. 9
Summary (quick take)
The meeting between the Presidency and MACBAN leaders is reported and appears aimed at addressing a genuine problem. The dialogue produced policy proposals (grazing reserves, ranches, designated pastoral settlements and amenities) and plans for a follow-up committee — but implementation, funding and coordination remain the crucial next steps that will determine whether cattle roaming Abuja streets is meaningfully reduced. 10