Group Urges Tinubu to Fully Operationalise Livestock Ministry
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the full operationalisation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, warning that inadequate funding and an incomplete administrative structure are hindering the ministry’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
In a statement issued on Saturday by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello, the association commended President Tinubu for establishing the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee and creating the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing the move as a landmark decision that rekindled hope among millions of pastoralists across the country.
KACRAN also praised the appointment of Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha as Minister of Livestock Development, noting that his nationwide engagement with stakeholders encouraged nearly 20 states to establish corresponding ministries to drive livestock development at the sub-national level.
According to the association, the creation of the ministry signalled the government’s commitment to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported meat, milk and other livestock products, which it said costs the country billions of dollars annually.
Despite these achievements, KACRAN expressed concern that more than a year after its establishment, the ministry is yet to function as an independent institution, alleging that it still operates largely as a directorate under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The association argued that fully empowering the ministry would boost food security, create jobs, reduce farmer-herder conflicts through improved livestock management, strengthen the livestock value chain, attract investment and reduce the country’s import bill for livestock products.
It urged the President to provide adequate funding for both the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee and the ministry, secure permanent office accommodation for the ministry, and equip it with the personnel and resources required to implement programmes capable of transforming the livestock sector.
KACRAN maintained that a fully functional ministry would enable pastoralists and other stakeholders in the livestock value chain to make greater contributions to national food security, economic growth and sustainable development.
The association also commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) project for providing security, water points and other support services to pastoralist communities, urging both organisations to sustain their interventions.
