Nigeria’s Livestock Ministry faces rocky start with insufficient US$7.6M budget allocation

NIGERIA – The National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Livestock Development has flagged the N11.8 billion (US$7.57) budget proposed for the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development as grossly inadequate. 

Tasked with addressing the critical challenges in Nigeria’s livestock sector, the ministry is struggling to launch effectively under its current budgetary constraints.  

The Federal Government’s 2025 Appropriation Bill allocated N10 billion for capital expenditure and N1.8 billion (US$1.15 million) for overhead costs for the ministry. 

During a budget defence session, Minister of Livestock Development Idi Maiha presented the ministry’s case before the National Assembly, highlighting significant gaps that hinder the ministry’s functionality. 

Established only three months ago, the ministry is still laying its foundational structures. Departments transferred from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security have yet to settle fully. 

The ministry operates from a temporary office provided by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), as negotiations with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration for permanent office accommodation are ongoing.  

Minister Maiha acknowledged the limitations posed by the budget but expressed optimism, emphasising that the allocation provides a framework for the ministry’s gradual take-off. 

He detailed plans to address climate change, empower youth and women in livestock-related economic activities, and attract local and foreign investments through market-driven initiatives.  

However, lawmakers remain sceptical about the feasibility of these ambitions under the proposed budget. 

Hon. Wale Raji, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Livestock Development, questioned the input of the Presidential Implementation Committee in crafting the budget and called for a supplementary allocation to reflect the ministry’s responsibilities.  

Senator Musa Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Livestock Development, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for the ministry to present a clear roadmap for achieving its goals. 

He assured that the National Assembly would expedite the passage of a supplementary budget to meet the sector’s expectations.  

The ministry’s immediate focus includes a sensitisation campaign to promote its objectives and transferring federal livestock agencies under its jurisdiction. 

Minister Maiha underscored the ministry’s commitment to regional inclusivity, noting that capital projects will be equitably distributed across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.