Nigeria’s federal government recently explained the rationale behind the proposed ministry of livestock development, saying that it is needed to enhance protein production, increase employment opportunities and government revenue. President Bola Tinubu had announced the establishment of the ministry from the current ministry of agriculture.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, provided clarity against the backdrop of accusations of expanding government at a time of scarce resources. Responding to a question on the matter, he told correspondents after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that the livestock ministry will focus on livestock development, allowing the ministry of agriculture to concentrate on other areas.
According to him, the important thing is what Nigerians and the government stand to gain in terms of revenue and other positive additions. Fagbemi said: “President earlier informed the 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.”
Noting that creating a new ministry may seem counterproductive to the government’s goal of reducing governance costs, Fagbemi emphasised that the benefits of this decision would outweigh the costs. He noted that the new ministry will facilitate large-scale livestock production, generating revenue and employment opportunities for Nigerians.
The Attorney General stressed the importance of improving protein intake, a key aspect of the government’s policy on livestock development, saying: “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 citizens.”
