The National Assembly on Friday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Federal Government\u2019s handling of Nigeria\u2019s livestock development agenda, accusing authorities of failing to match policy promises with tangible financial support nearly two years after creating a standalone ministry for the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The criticism emerged during a budget defence session involving the Ministry of Livestock Development and members of the joint National Assembly committee overseeing livestock reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, told lawmakers that Nigeria continues to rely heavily on imported livestock products despite possessing significant agricultural capacity. According to him, approximately 65 per cent of animals consumed annually in the country are sourced from outside Nigeria, a situation he described as economically unsustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maiha noted that the country could earn an estimated \u20a63.2 billion annually through red meat exports if adequate investment and infrastructure were put in place to strengthen domestic production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He attributed the slow progress of the ministry largely to funding shortfalls, revealing that only \u20a620 billion had been released from the \u20a670 billion approved as take-off funding for the ministry in 2024. He further disclosed that none of the \u20a610 billion capital allocation captured in the 2025 budget had been disbursed so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lawmakers at the session warned that without prompt financial backing and clear implementation strategies, the ministry risks falling short of expectations tied to improving food security, boosting exports and addressing long-standing conflicts linked to livestock management across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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