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 allocated N10 billion for capital expenditure and N10.8 billion for overhead costs in the 2025 budget of the newly created ministry.
The minister of livestock development, Mr Idi Maiha, appeared before the joint committee yesterday in Abuja, accompanied by his management team and agency heads, to defend the ministry’s 2025 budget.
He explained that the ministry, established three months ago, is still in its formative stages. Structures are being put together by departments under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, from which it was carved out.
The minister revealed that the ministry lacks office accommodations, essential facilities, and operational equipment to function as a full-fledged entity. It is temporarily housed in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). However, discussions have been initiated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to secure adequate office space.
Maiha acknowledged the modest budget but hoped 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 local and foreign investors.
He also highlighted plans for a nationwide sensitisation campaign to promote the ministry’s activities and goals.
The joint committee urged the minister to harmonise.
