kakalistiq.com reports that Federal lawmakers on Tuesday urged the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Muktar, to leverage the newly created ministry to address the persistent clashes between farmers and herders across Nigeria.
This appeal was made during the minister’s appearance before the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Livestock Development to defend the ministry’s 2025 budget proposal.
Co-chairman of the Joint Committee, Rep. Wale Raji (APC, Epe Federal Constituency, Lagos), stressed the need for increased funding to enable the ministry to achieve its mandate in line with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on the livestock sector.
“It is critical that the ministry receives adequate financial backing to tackle pressing challenges in the sector. Advocacy and public awareness campaigns are equally important to broaden understanding that livestock development is not limited to cattle but includes other areas such as poultry, piggery, and sheep and goat production,” Raji said.
Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Musa Mustapha, highlighted the need for the ministry to prioritize value chain development, infrastructure, climate resilience, and women and youth empowerment as part of its agenda.
Simon Lalong, Senator representing Plateau South, called for an awareness campaign on the benefits of ranching to address misconceptions. He emphasized that ranching is a viable solution to the frequent clashes between farmers and herders.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi) also urged the ministry to focus on harnessing the livestock value chain for economic growth.
In his budget presentation, Minister Muktar revealed a ₦10 billion allocation for capital expenditures and ₦1.8 billion for overheads, with projects distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to provide essential infrastructure for animal husbandry. He also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to rehabilitate and furnish a ministry complex to ensure smooth operations.
Lawmakers reiterated their expectations for the ministry to serve as a catalyst for economic growth while fostering peace and stability in rural communities.
