National Assembly raises concerns over ₦11.8bn budget for new livestock ministry

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Livestock Development has raised concerns about the proposed ₦11.8 billion budget allocation for the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, deeming it insufficient for the ministry’s successful takeoff.

The Federal Government allocated ₦10 billion for capital expenditure and ₦1.8 billion for overheads in the ministry’s 2025 budget.

During a budget defense session on Tuesday, Minister Idi Maiha, accompanied by senior officials and agency heads, outlined the ministry’s financial needs to the joint committee. Maiha explained that the ministry, which was created three months ago from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, faces numerous challenges, including the lack of office space, necessary facilities, and essential operational equipment.

Currently, the ministry is temporarily housed by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, with ongoing discussions to secure permanent office space from the Federal Capital Territory administration.

Despite the budgetary constraints, Maiha assured the committee that the allocated funds would serve as a starting point for the ministry’s establishment. He emphasized the ministry’s core mandate, which includes addressing the impacts of climate change, fostering economic opportunities in the livestock sector, and engaging youth and women in sustainable activities.

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Maiha further explained that capital projects would be distributed across the country’s geopolitical zones based on specific needs, aiming to attract local and foreign investments. Additionally, the ministry plans to launch a comprehensive sensitization campaign through national and local media to raise awareness of its goals and initiatives.

In response, the joint committee urged the minister to submit a supplementary budget that more accurately reflects the ministry’s financial requirements. Wale Raji, Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, questioned the level of support from the Presidential Implementation Committee for the ministry’s establishment, urging for a more substantial budget to meet the expectations of the Nigerian public.

Senate Committee Chairman Musa Mustapha also assured the ministry of the committee’s support in achieving its mandate.