The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has appealed to the governments of the 19 Northern States to procure and distribute livestock feed to pastoralists as palliative aid.
The call was made on the heels of the Federal Government’s disbursement of N50 billion towards the Pulaaku initiative, a campaign championed by President Bola Tinubu to fortify the livestock sector and enhance the conditions for Nigerian pastoralists.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National President of KACRAN, Khalil Bello, noted that the reappointment of the members of the North East Development Commission (NEEC)’s Management Board is a testament to the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the region devastated by Boko Haram, ensuring continued support services to impacted communities.
He said: “As the primary beneficiaries of government initiatives aimed at advancing livestock development, KACRAN implores the Northern State Governments to participate actively by acquiring and distributing critical animal feed to pastoralists within their jurisdictions.”
He noted that: “The rationale for this appeal is rooted in several vital points which are: President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting the livestock sector, intending to improve security in the Northern regions and alleviate the hardships of our citizens.
*The strategic reappointment of NEDC members illustrates the Federal Government’s intent to enhance herding practices and benefit the Nigerian populace comprehensively; With the NLC’s primary focus on workers’ rights, KACRAN underscores the necessity to speak up for the silent livestock population, which is integral to our national interest.
“Livestock, lacking the ability to communicate distress, require our stewardship to ensure their needs are met and considered by government policies.
“The repercussions of oil subsidy removal have been pronounced for livestock, arguably surpassing the impact on human populations; The health and upkeep of livestock are inextricably linked to the welfare of humans, emphasizing the importance of holistic palliative measures.
“The scarcity of animal feed, a byproduct of human food processing, is exacerbated by current culinary practices aimed at minimizing waste. Livestock are entitled to rights and privileges, paralleling those of humans, and should be included in welfare considerations.
“Drawing parallels with developed nations, where livestock welfare is supported through governmental aid, KACRAN advocates for similar provisions in Nigeria; Preventing a decline in the national livestock population necessitates inclusive palliative actions by all government tiers, particularly in the Northern region, a key livestock stronghold.”
