The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has cautioned the Federal Government that rising meat imports pose a severe threat to the country’s domestic livestock industry, warning that local producers risk being driven out of business by foreign competition.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, MACBAN National President Baba Othman-Ngelzarma expressed deep concern over recent reports showing an influx of beef and other imported meat products into the Nigerian market.
While clarifying that MACBAN does not oppose legitimate international trade or healthy competition, Othman-Ngelzarma criticised policies that allow unfair competition from highly developed foreign livestock industries, which he argued places local producers at a distinct disadvantage.
Drawing a parallel to the agricultural sector, the MACBAN chief pointed to the rice industry as a cautionary tale. He noted that despite Nigeria achieving nearly 98 per cent self-sufficiency in domestic rice production, a surge in imports has caused heavy financial losses for local farmers and investors.
“Nigeria must avoid repeating the same mistake in the livestock sector, where producers already face serious challenges,” Othman-Ngelzarma warned.
He highlighted the mounting pressures currently facing Nigerian livestock farmers, including skyrocketing feed and transportation costs, widespread insecurity, shrinking grazing resources, poor infrastructure, limited access to affordable financing, and the worsening impact of climate change.
Emphasizing the strategic importance of the sector, Othman-Ngelzarma stated that the livestock economy serves as a vital backbone for millions of Nigerians, including pastoralists, crop farmers, feed manufacturers, livestock traders, butchers, processors, and veterinary professionals.
He urged the Federal Government to urgently evaluate how increased meat imports are affecting local employment, domestic investment, and broader national food security.
“Before further liberalising the market, Nigeria should pursue strategic trade, not import dependency,” Othman-Ngelzarma stated. He added that any necessary imports should only serve to fill genuine supply deficits rather than displace local production.
While commending recent federal investments and structural reforms intended to boost sector productivity, the MACBAN president reiterated that local herdsmen and pastoralists need a level playing field to thrive. He called on policymakers to prioritize the protection of domestic production over mere consumption.
