The National Assembly Joint Committee on Livestock Development has criticized the proposed N20.8 billion budget for the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as insufficient for the ministry’s effective take-off.
In the 2025 budget, the federal government allocated N10 billion for capital expenditure and N10.8 billion for overhead costs to the newly established ministry.
Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Maiha, appeared before the joint committee on Tuesday in Abuja, alongside his management team and heads of agencies, to defend the ministry’s 2025 budget.
Explaining the ministry’s current status, Maiha stated that it was established three months ago and is still in its formative stages, with structures being organized from departments previously under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
“The ministry currently lacks office accommodations, essential facilities, and operational equipment to function as a full-fledged entity,” he said, adding that it is temporarily housed within 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 permanent office space for the ministry, he noted.
Maiha acknowledged the modest budget allocation but expressed optimism about using it as a roadmap for the ministry’s initial operations. He highlighted that the ministry’s core mandate includes addressing climate change impacts, creating economic opportunities for youth and women in the livestock sector, and attracting investments by transitioning relevant agencies from the Ministry of Agriculture.
He further emphasized the importance of distributing capital projects equitably across geopolitical zones based on specific needs. “These projects must also be market-driven to attract both local and foreign investors,” the minister said.
Maiha also revealed plans to launch a nationwide sensitization campaign to promote the ministry’s activities and goals.
