Hon. Wale Raji, representing Epe Federal Constituency and Chair of the House Committee on Livestock, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s failure to meet domestic livestock consumption demands, which has led to significant capital flight through importation.
Speaking during the inaugural meeting of the committee in Abuja on Wednesday, Raji pledged to reposition the livestock sector to unlock its economic potential and enhance national prosperity.
Raji emphasized the significance of the livestock sector to the Nigerian economy, noting its untapped potential. “You would recall that on the 2nd of October 2024 at plenary, the Speaker announced the creation of the House Committee on Livestock Development, consequent upon the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by Mr. President, as the first step towards implementing the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Development,” he stated.
The lawmaker commended the establishment of the ministry as a crucial step forward. “The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development, as rightly recognized by Mr. President at a recent stakeholders’ meeting, was long overdue. It is unfortunate that the livestock sector has not received due attention by successive administrations despite its huge potential and contribution to our economy,” he said.
Nigeria’s livestock sector, Raji pointed out, boasts impressive production numbers—563 million chickens, 58 million cattle, 124 million goats, 60 million sheep, and 16 million pigs annually. However, the country’s inability to meet its consumption needs domestically has led to a reliance on costly imports. “While this puts Nigeria as the leading livestock producer in West Africa, we are far from meeting our consumption needs, resulting in the expenditure of huge amounts of foreign exchange on importation of livestock products that could be easily produced in the country,” he explained.
Highlighting the sector’s potential, Raji urged collective efforts to reposition it for economic growth. “Our nation stands at the precipice of extraordinary opportunity. The livestock sector is ripe for transformation, offering pathways to food security, economic diversification, and wealth creation. As we begin our work, it is our responsibility and privilege to be part of the pioneering effort at repositioning this sector for a future of prosperity and sustainability,” he said.
The committee’s mandate, as approved by the Speaker, includes oversight of the Ministry of Livestock Development and its departments, parastatals, agencies, colleges, and research institutes. Raji outlined the committee’s focus areas, which include animal husbandry, feed and fodder development, genetic resource management, veterinary public health, and livestock entrepreneurship.
Key institutions under the committee’s purview include the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Nigeria Institute of Animal Science, National Livestock Training Centre, and various colleges and research institutes dedicated to animal production, health, and disease prevention.
“As we move forward, it is crucial that we execute our duties with diligence, transparency, and commitment to excellence,” Raji concluded.
The newly constituted House Committee on Livestock Development is poised to oversee the implementation of reforms outlined by the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee, signaling a renewed focus on developing Nigeria’s livestock sector as a cornerstone of national economic growth.
