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Olugbemi. Adeyinka Ogunleye
2 weeks ago
Overview
N10bn livestock ministry budget inadequate N/Assembly
The National Assembly has raised concerns over the adequacy of the N10bn allocated for capital projects in the Ministry of Livestock Development’s 2025 budget, calling it insufficient to meet the sector’s growing needs. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, made this statement on Tuesday, who appeared before a joint meeting of the Senate and House Committees on Livestock Development, to defend the Ministry’s budget proposal.
The session, marked by robust discussions on the Ministry’s strategic plans and sectoral challenges, saw lawmakers stressing the importance of increased funding to address the sector’s urgent needs. The Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Raji Olawale, expressed concern over the current budget allocation. “The budget allocation of N10bn for capital projects is inadequate given the expectations of Nigerians. We need a concerted effort to bridge the gap between expectations and available resources,” Olawale stated. The budget, which also includes N1.8bn for overheads, was outlined by the Minister as a strategic attempt to address critical issues within the livestock sector, including infrastructure development for ranches and improved animal health services.
However, lawmakers were unconvinced that the proposed funds would be enough to deliver on the high expectations placed on the Ministry following its creation. “This session has been interactive and enlightening. We recognise the foundational phase of this Ministry, and how strong the structure becomes depends on how solid the foundation is. We expect you to provide regular reports on the challenges you are facing, especially in terms of accommodation and other pressing needs,” Mustapha remarked.
Both Mustapha and Olawale acknowledged the Ministry’s efforts but stressed that much more was needed to address the growing demands in rural communities and ensure the success of market-driven projects in the sector. In his defence, Maiha acknowledged the fiscal constraints but outlined plans to leverage bilateral engagements and international grants to complement the limited budget. “We have prioritised projects that address pressing sectoral challenges, including infrastructure for ranches, animal health services, and sustainable market corridors. While the fiscal envelope is limited, we are leveraging international support to attract investments and create jobs,” Maiha stated. The Minister also noted that the White Paper on agency transitions was nearing completion, a document he said would be crucial in guiding the Ministry’s operations and ensuring the effective implementation of its programmes.
Credit: Punch
