The National Assembly Joint Committee on Livestock Development has expressed concern over the N11.8 billion allocated for the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in the 2025 budget, deeming it insufficient for the ministry’s proper takeoff.
The committee has directed the Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Maiha, to prepare a supplementary budget that aligns with the ministry’s financial needs.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, established three months ago by President Bola Tinubu, is tasked with driving Nigeria’s livestock industry toward sustainable growth. However, legislators have raised doubts about the feasibility of achieving this mandate with the proposed budget.
A breakdown of the budget shows N10 billion for capital expenditure and N1.8 billion for overhead costs. While acknowledging the effort to provide initial funding, the lawmakers argued that the amount falls short of what is required to establish a functional ministry capable of meeting its goals.
Speaking during a budget review session, members of the joint committee emphasized the strategic importance of the livestock sector to Nigeria’s economy, including its potential to boost food security, generate revenue, and create employment.
“The livestock industry is a critical component of our agricultural sector,” a committee member stated. “For this ministry to succeed, it must have the resources to establish infrastructure, recruit personnel, and implement programs that will revitalize the sector.”
The committee also noted that the allocation does not reflect the financial requirements for building the ministry from the ground up, especially given its recent establishment.
In response, Minister Idi Maiha assured lawmakers of the ministry’s commitment to presenting a revised estimate. He acknowledged the challenges of operating with limited resources and expressed optimism about collaborating with the National Assembly to secure additional funding.
The directive for a supplementary budget underscored the need for proper planning and funding to ensure the ministry fulfils its mandate.
The livestock sector is seen as pivotal in diversifying Nigeria’s economy and addressing food security challenges.
As stakeholders await the revised budget, the discussion highlights the broader issue of adequate funding for newly established ministries and the prioritization of sectors that can drive economic transformation.
