Abuja: Nigeria imports 65 per cent of the livestock it consumes each year, Minister of Livestock Development Alhaji Mukhta Maiha disclosed, warning that the nation is neglecting a ₦3.2 billion red meat export opportunity.
Maiha’s appearance before the committee aimed to address the performance of the 2025 budget and justify the 2026 proposal, particularly in light of funding allocations and releases.
The minister, in his presentation on the performance of the 2025 budget and the 2026 proposal, said that of the N70 billion approved as the ministry’s take-off fund in 2024, only N20 billion was released.
He stated that although N10 billion was appropriated for the ministry as a capital vote for 2025, it was not released.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the committee frowned at what they described as “lip service” to development of the livestock industry in Nigeria, given its creation in 2024.
The lawmakers, who expressed disbelief at the ministry’s state, urged the committee’s leadership to communicate with President Bola Tinubu about the need for urgent intervention.
This, according to them, will align with the government’s primary aim of diversification through livestock development, as seen in Brazil, Argentina, Belgium, and other countries.
Sen Tahir Monguno said the ministry’s poor funding was at variance with the intent behind its establishment.
“The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development in 2024 was driven by the gospel of diversification of the nation’s economy.
He expressed surprise and disappointment at what he saw as insufficient commitment to the livestock sector. Monguno insisted that the executive branch must be notified of the contradiction between the ministry’s creation and its lack of funding. Abdul Ningi alleged sabotage by the ministry over poor funding, which they said might not be known to President Bola Tinubu.
He therefore urged the minister and ministry management to communicate the ministry’s challenges to lawmakers and other relevant authorities.
This ministry requires strong support and adequate federal funding. The zero capital allocation suggests possible sabotage, despite Mr President’s good intentions for livestock development.
He called for the committee leadership to urgently contact the President to seek intervention.irSen. Buba Shehu, the committee chairman, emphasised that relying on a single-sector economy is detrimental to any country. He said that the committee would do everything possible to ensure adequate funding for the ministry to attain the desired economic diversification.
