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Asks minister to prepare new estimates reflecting financial needs
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The National Assembly joint Committee on Livestock Development has directed the Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Maiha, to prepare a supplementary budget to cover the funds needed for the ministry’s proper take-off, stating that the N11.8 billion proposed in the 2025 budget is inadequate.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development was created about three months ago by President Bola Tinubu.
Out of the N11.8 billion, N10 billion is allocated for capital expenditure, while N1.8 billion is for overhead.
Addressing the committee on Tuesday, Maiha stated that the ministry took off three months ago and added that structures were being put together with formative departments from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, from which it was carved out.
He informed the lawmakers that the ministry operates from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) as it has yet to secure office accommodation, facilities, and operational equipment needed to function as a fully-fledged ministry. However, he mentioned that the ministry has initiated talks with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to secure adequate office accommodation.
Regarding the 2025 allocation, the minister acknowledged that although the funds are limited, they will be utilised effectively to support the ministry’s take-off, including the statutory transfer of livestock-related MDAs from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Livestock Development Ministry.
For planned activities in 2025, Maiha explained that capital projects will be spread across all geopolitical zones according to specific needs and will be market-driven to attract local and foreign investments.
In response, the joint committee asked the minister to harmonise the ministry’s financial needs and present them as a supplementary budget, promising prompt approval.
The Senate Committee chairman, Senator Musa Mustapha, assured the minister of their support, saying, “We will do our best to help the ministry achieve its mandate.”
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Hon. Wale Raji, queried the input from the Presidential Implementation Committee for the ministry’s take-off.
“There will be a need for you to make a special presentation on this or come up with a supplementary budget that reflects the hope of Nigerians. The budget is abysmally low to respond to the yearnings of Nigerians,” he said.