The National Assembly Joint Committee on Livestock Development has expressed concerns over the proposed ₦11.8 billion budget allocation for the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as inadequate for the ministry’s effective take-off.
In the 2025 budget, the Federal Government allocated ₦10 billion for capital expenditure and ₦1.8 billion for overhead to the ministry.
However, during a budget defence session on Tuesday, the committee questioned whether the proposed funds would be sufficient to address the ministry’s operational needs.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, alongside senior officials and agency heads, presented the ministry’s financial needs to the committee.
Maiha revealed that the ministry, carved out of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security just three months ago, is already grappling with significant challenges, including a lack of office accommodations, facilities, and operational equipment.
“The ministry is currently being housed temporarily by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation while discussions are ongoing with the Federal Capital Territory administration to secure permanent office space,” Maiha said.
Despite the challenges, Maiha assured the committee that the allocated funds would lay a foundation for the ministry’s operations.
He emphasized the ministry’s core mandate of addressing climate change impacts, creating economic opportunities in the livestock sector, and engaging youth and women in sustainable activities.
Maiha added that capital projects would be distributed across the country’s geopolitical zones based on specific needs, with plans to attract both local and foreign investments.
He also revealed plans to launch a nationwide sensitization campaign through various media platforms to create awareness of the ministry’s objectives and initiatives.
In response, the joint committee urged the ministry to submit a supplementary budget that better reflects its financial needs.
Wale Raji, Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, questioned the level of support provided by the Presidential Implementation Committee for the ministry’s establishment.
He stressed the need for a more robust budget to meet public expectations.
Musa Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee, pledged the committee’s support, urging the ministry to accelerate its efforts and provide regular progress updates.
“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,” Mustapha said.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment to support the ministry in achieving its mandate, while stakeholders anticipate further budgetary adjustments to address the ministry’s operational needs adequately.