Abuja, Nigeria — The National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Livestock Development has raised concerns over the N11.8 billion budget allocated to the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, labeling it insufficient for the ministry’s effective establishment and operations.
Breakdown of Allocations
The 2025 budget earmarks N10 billion for capital expenditure and N1.8 billion for overhead costs. However, members of the joint committee argued that this amount falls short of what is needed for the ministry’s take-off.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, appeared before the committees on Tuesday to defend the budget alongside the ministry’s management team and heads of affiliated agencies.
Minister Maiha emphasized that the ministry, created only three months ago, is still in its formative stages, grappling with a lack of essential structures, office accommodations, facilities, and operational equipment.
Currently, the ministry operates temporarily from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Discussions are ongoing with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to secure a permanent office space.
Vision and Strategic Objectives
According to Maiha, the proposed budget is designed as a roadmap for the ministry’s operations. He outlined its core mandate to tackle climate change impacts, create economic opportunities for youth and women in the livestock sector, and drive local and foreign investment through market-driven initiatives.
Plans are in motion to transfer livestock-related agencies from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to the Ministry of Livestock Development. Additionally, capital projects will be distributed across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones based on specific needs.
The ministry also intends to launch a nationwide media campaign to raise awareness and promote its programs and activities.
Call for Supplementary Budget
The Joint Committee urged the minister to submit a revised financial proposal as a supplementary budget to adequately address the ministry’s foundational requirements. Legislators assured the minister of their readiness to approve a more comprehensive budget to support the ministry’s mandate.
Wale Raji, the House Chairman on Livestock Development, questioned the involvement of the Presidential Implementation Committee in the ministry’s establishment, emphasizing that the current budget does not reflect the expectations of Nigerians.
Senate Chairman Musa Mustapha pledged the committee’s commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure the ministry achieves its objectives.
By Enoch Odesola| January 14, 2025
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