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, deeming it inadequate for the ministry?s effective take-off.

The Federal Government earmarked ?10 billion for capital expenditure and ?1.8 billion for overhead in the ministry?s 2025 budget.

During the budget defence session on Tuesday, the Minister, Idi Maiha, along with senior officials and agency heads, presented the ministry?s financial needs to the joint committee.

Maiha explained that the ministry, which was carved out of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, began operations three months ago but faces significant challenges, including a lack of office accommodations, facilities, and essential operational equipment.

Currently, he noted that the ministry is being temporarily housed by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, with ongoing discussions to secure permanent office space from the Federal Capital Territory administration.

Despite the budget constraints, Maiha assured that the allocated funds would serve as a foundational roadmap for the ministry?s establishment.

He highlighted the ministry?s core mandate to address climate change impacts, create economic opportunities in the livestock sector, and engage youth and women in sustainable activities.

Maiha further stated that capital projects would be distributed across geopolitical zones based on specific needs, aiming to attract both local and foreign investments as the ministry plans to launch a comprehensive sensitization campaign through national and local media to raise awareness about its objectives and initiatives.

In response, the joint committee urged the minister to present a supplementary budget that reflects the ministry?s financial requirements more accurately.

Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Wale Raji, questioned the level of support from the Presidential Implementation Committee for the ministry?s establishment, calling for a more robust budget to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

Senate Committee Chairman, Musa Mustapha, also assured the ministry of the committee?s support in helping it achieve its mandate.

?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,? he said. (Channels)

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