The Nigeria Professionals in Diaspora (NPID) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider his plans to create a new Ministry of Livestock, citing concerns about the potential waste of resources and the need to optimise existing structures.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, NPID President Dr. Johnson David commended President Tinubu’s achievements since assuming office, including his fight against corruption and economic reforms.

He expressed concerns that creating a new ministry would be an unnecessary addition to the government’s structure and would increase the overall cost of governance.

“We believe the existing structures within the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development could be strengthened and optimised to address the needs of the livestock industry without the added cost and bureaucracy of a new ministry,” Dr David said.

Mr Ikechukwu Obinna, a senior NPID member, added that the resources required in establishing and maintaining a standalone Ministry of Livestock could be better utilised to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing agricultural frameworks.

He said, “Our analysis suggests that the resources required to establishing and maintaining a standalone Ministry of Livestock could be better utilised to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing agricultural frameworks. This would allow for a more streamlined and cost-effective approach to supporting the livestock sector’s development.”

The NPID urged President Tinubu to carefully consider the long-term implications of creating a new ministry and to instead focus on optimising the existing institutional structures to address the challenges faced by livestock farmers and stakeholders.

The organisation pledged its continued support and cooperation in realising the president’s vision for a prosperous and sustainable Nigeria.

The NPID highlighted President Tinubu’s swift and decisive actions to address the country’s most pressing challenges, particularly in the areas of economic reform, infrastructure development, and the fight against corruption.

NPID said, “Since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s economy and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.”

“His bold policy decisions, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, have been instrumental in stabilising the country’s fiscal position and paving the way for long-term economic prosperity.”

The organisation also commended the President’s focus on infrastructure development, which has been a crucial driver of economic transformation.

The NPID praised what it describes as the accelerated construction of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure projects across the country, which have improved connectivity, facilitated the movement of goods and services, and created numerous job opportunities for Nigerians.

“President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development has been truly remarkable,” Dr Suleiman Abubakar, the NPID Secretary, noted

He added that the roads, railways, and other infrastructure projects being delivered under his leadership are not only enhancing the quality of life for our citizens but also laying the foundation for Nigeria’s long-term economic competitiveness.”

Furthermore, the NPID highlighted President Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to the fight against corruption, which has been a longstanding challenge in the country.

The organisation lauded the President’s efforts to strengthen institutional frameworks, empower anti-corruption agencies, and hold public officials accountable for their actions. (Tribune)