The National Assembly Joint Committee on Livestock Development has raised concerns over the proposed ₦11.8 billion budget allocation for the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as insufficient for the ministry’s effective launch.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The 2025 budget allocates ₦10 billion for capital expenditure and ₦1.8 billion for overhead costs. During a budget defence session on Tuesday, Minister Idi Maiha, accompanied by senior officials and agency heads, presented the ministry’s financial requirements to the committee.
Maiha revealed that the ministry, carved out from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, began operations three months ago but is hindered by a lack of office space, facilities, and essential operational equipment. He stated that the ministry is currently housed temporarily in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, with ongoing negotiations for permanent office space.
Despite the limited budget, Maiha assured that the funds would provide a foundation for the ministry’s activities. He outlined the ministry’s mandate to combat climate change impacts, stimulate economic growth in the livestock sector, and involve youth and women in sustainable initiatives.
The minister emphasized that capital projects would be distributed equitably across geopolitical zones to attract investments. Plans for a comprehensive awareness campaign through national and local media were also disclosed.
In response, the joint committee urged the minister to submit a supplementary budget reflecting the ministry’s actual needs.
Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Wale Raji, questioned the level of support from the Presidential Implementation Committee and called for a more substantial budget to meet public expectations.
Senate Committee Chairman Musa Mustapha assured the ministry of the committee’s support, stating, “This meeting is a foundational step, but the ministry must accelerate its efforts and provide progress reports on the challenges outlined for us to offer necessary interventions.”
