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

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Livestock Development has described the N20.8 billion proposed budget for the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as inadequate for its effective take-off.

The federal government had allocated N10 billion for capital expenditure and N10.8 billion for overhead costs in the 2025 budget of the newly created ministry.

Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Maiha, appeared before the joint committee on Tuesday in Abuja, accompanied by his management team and heads of agencies to defend the ministry’s 2025 budget.

He explained that the ministry, established three months ago, is still in its formative stages, with structures being put together from departments under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security where it was carved out.

The minister revealed that the ministry currently lacks office accommodations, essential facilities, and operational equipment to function as a full-fledged entity.

He added that the ministry is presently temporarily housed in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

However, he said discussions have been initiated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to secure adequate office space for the ministry.

Maiha acknowledged the modest budget but expressed hope that it would serve as a roadmap for the ministry’s effective take-off.

He noted that the ministry’s core mandate includes addressing climate change challenges, creating economic opportunities for youth and women in the livestock sector, and attracting investments by transitioning livestock-related agencies from the Ministry of Agriculture to the new ministry.

The minister emphasised the importance of distributing capital projects across geopolitical zones based on specific needs and ensuring that projects are market-driven to attract both local and foreign investors.

He also highlighted plans for a nationwide sensitisation campaign to promote the ministry’s activities and goals.