KACRAN raises alarm over mass livestock exodus from Nigeria

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has expressed serious concerns over the alarming mass exodus of livestock from Nigeria. Speaking in a press statement, KACRAN’s National President, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, described the situation as a “national emergency” and a “national disgrace.” Bello emphasized that Nigeria, currently the fourth largest African country in terms of livestock population, is experiencing its worst depletion of livestock resources in history.

Bello recalled that in the past, Northern Nigeria boasted tens of millions of livestock due to abundant grazing reserves, peace, and fertile land. However, the situation has drastically changed since the late 1980s, with millions of livestock moving to neighboring countries such as Gabon, Central African Republic, Benin Republic, Togo, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Ghana, and Southern Nigeria due to security issues and neglect by state governments.

This exodus has been exacerbated by cattle rustling caused by severe insecurity in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions.

The association highlighted the escalating problem in major livestock markets such as Potiskum, Damaturu, Maiduguri, Ngalda, and Gombe, where trailers are constantly loaded with rams, sheep, and cattle and shipped to countries like Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo. In Potiskum alone, about five trailers daily are loaded with rams and sheep for export.

KACRAN noted that while they do not object to legitimate livestock trade, they prefer it to be conducted within Nigeria, specifically to Southern states including Lagos, Port Harcourt, Asaba, and others, to maintain economic value within the country.

Addressing the crisis, KACRAN urged Northern Governors and leaders to immediately halt the exportation of female animals and young breeding stock. They proposed providing soft loans to livestock exporters to redirect their business to Southern Nigeria and investing in reviving grazing reserves and cattle routes. Other recommended measures include tackling cattle rustling and banditry, improving animal breeds, and supporting businesses within the livestock value chain.