The desire to enhance employment opportunities, boost protein production and shore up government revenue informed the creation of Livestock Development Ministry President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)/Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi explained yesterday.
Fagbemi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who gave the explanation after yesterday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, said the proposed ministry would focus on livestock development, living the Ministry of Agriculture to concentrate on other areas.
Explaining that the primary focus isi what Nigerians and the government will gain in revenue and other areas, the minister said: “President formerly informed Council that a ministry known as Ministry of Livestock Development is being established and this is because he believes that the Ministry of Agriculture should be broken into two, one concentrating on livestock development because of what we stand to achieve in terms of protein, in terms of employment, in terms earnings for the government and how this one will rub off on the lives of an ordinary Nigerian citizen.”
He said the benefits of the President’s decision outweigh the thinking that creating a new ministry was against administration’s cost-cutting measure in governance.
Highlighting the importance of improving protein intake as a key aspect of government’s policy on livestock development, the AGF said: “So, in respect of the Ministry of Livestock Development, in relation to the government policy of reducing governance, to every general rule, there must be an exception.
“What will dictate the decision of government, what is guiding the addition of government or action or reaction of government is the overall interest of Nigerian citizen.
“In respect of this livestock, the President has taken very serious look at the contribution of agriculture. The Agriculture Ministry now divided into two, haven announced that there is going to be another ministry, it goes without saying that those implications will also go with it.
I agree that that may cost money, but it will be done in a way that the benefits will by far outweigh the losses or the concern that you may express.
Read Also: NLC President seeks return of old pension scheme
“I have talked about this livestock and I said one, apart from improving the protein intake of our people, it also provides money for government because he’s going to be on large scale that will ensure money or revenue for government, and there is also going to be increased employment opportunities for people. These are some of the areas that I think I should clear.”
Step taken in right direction
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan lauded the step taken by the administration to reposition the livestock sector. He also hailed the inauguration of the Committee on Livestock Reforms.
According to him, the proposed is in response to the growing importance of livestock production to the nation’s economy and the need for improved animal welfare.
The ministry, according to him, will be tasked with developing and implementing policies and programmes to enhance productivity and sustainability of the livestock industry.
He commended the constitution of the livestock reforms panel, chaired by the President and co-chaired by former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega.
Lawan said: “The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock; and the constitution of the Committee on Livestock Reforms are clear indications that President Tinubu recognises the immense potential of the livestock sector to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria.
“I am confident that these initiatives will not only boost the livestock industry, but also create jobs, reduce poverty, and enhance the well-being of millions of Nigerians who depend on livestock for their livelihoods.”
He explained that reviewing and repositioning the livestock sector with inputs from stakeholders, including government officials, industry experts, farmers, and civil society organisations, will stimulate economic growth and ensure food security.
Lawan urged members of the livestock reforms to include as parts of their panel’s recommendations to the federal government, the prioritisation and development of conflict resolution mechanisms and early warning systems to prevent and mitigate conflicts between farmers and herders.
He said: “The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock and the constitution of the National Committee on Livestock Reforms are, indeed, welcome developments.”