Nigeria imports 65 percent of the livestock consumed annually despite having a red meat export potential valued at N3.2 billion, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Maiha, has disclosed.
Maiha made the revelation while defending the ministry’s 2026 budget proposal before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Livestock Development.
Presenting the ministry’s 2025 budget performance and 2026 estimates, the minister said funding shortfalls had significantly hindered progress in the livestock sector.
According to him, out of the N70 billion approved as take-off funds for the ministry in 2024, only N20 billion was released. He further stated that the N10 billion appropriated as capital expenditure for 2025 was yet to be released.
The minister’s disclosure drew criticism from lawmakers, who described the funding pattern as mere “lip service” to the development of the livestock industry, especially following the ministry’s establishment in 2024 as part of the Federal Government’s economic diversification strategy.
Members of the committee urged their leadership to communicate directly with President Bola Tinubu on the urgent need for intervention to reposition the sector.
They argued that effective livestock development aligns with the government’s diversification agenda, similar to models seen in countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Belgium.
Senator Tahir Monguno expressed disappointment over what he described as inadequate commitment to the sector.
“The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development in 2024 was driven by the gospel of diversification of the nation’s economy,” he said. “It is, therefore, surprising that we are paying lip service to the livestock sector now.”
He added that creating the ministry without adequate funding contradicts the intent behind its formation.
Senator Abdul Ningi alleged possible sabotage in the ministry’s poor funding, suggesting that the development might not reflect the intention of President Bola Tinubu.
“This is a ministry that must be supported and well funded by the federal government,” he said, calling for urgent engagement with the President to address the funding gaps.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Buba Shehu, stressed that over-reliance on a mono-sector economy undermines national growth. He assured that the committee would take necessary steps to ensure improved funding for the ministry to achieve meaningful economic diversification through livestock development.
As budget deliberations continue, stakeholders say adequate investment in livestock production remains critical to reducing import dependence and unlocking Nigeria’s export potential.
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