N20.8bn Budget Inadequate for Livestock Ministry Take-off – NASS

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Livestock Development has criticized the N20.8 billion proposed budget for the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, calling it insufficient for the ministry’s effective take-off.

The federal government allocated N10 billion for capital expenditure and N10.8 billion for overhead costs in the 2025 budget for the ministry, which was created only three months ago.

Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Maiha, appeared before the Joint Committee on Tuesday in Abuja, accompanied by his management team and heads of relevant agencies to defend the ministry’s proposed 2025 budget. During his presentation, he explained that the ministry is still in its early stages of development, with structures being established from departments that were previously part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, from which the new ministry was carved out.

Challenges Facing the New Ministry

Maiha revealed that the ministry currently lacks office accommodations, essential facilities, and operational equipment necessary to function effectively as an independent entity. At present, the ministry is temporarily housed in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). However, he assured the committee that discussions had already been initiated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to secure permanent office space for the ministry.

Despite these challenges, Maiha expressed hope that the allocated budget would serve as a roadmap for the ministry’s gradual take-off and eventual operational independence.

Key Mandates of the Ministry

Maiha outlined the core mandates of the Ministry of Livestock Development, emphasizing its role in addressing the challenges of climate change, creating economic opportunities for youth and women in the livestock sector, and attracting investments. He further explained that the ministry’s creation would allow for a more focused approach to managing livestock-related matters by transitioning relevant agencies from the Ministry of Agriculture to the new ministry.

The minister also discussed plans for distributing capital projects across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, ensuring that they are tailored to the specific needs of each region. The projects are intended to be market-driven, with the goal of attracting both local and foreign investments into the livestock sector.

Plans for Sensitization Campaign

In addition, Maiha revealed plans to launch a nationwide sensitization campaign to promote the ministry’s activities and its broader goals. He stressed that the success of the ministry would depend not only on the available budget but also on building public awareness and support for the ministry’s initiatives.

The committee’s concerns about the budget highlight the challenge the new ministry faces in establishing itself as an effective and operational entity. While the N20.8 billion allocation may represent an initial step, the ministry will need further support to fully address the complex issues in Nigeria’s livestock sector.