President Bola Tinubu has received the long-awaited report from a committee he formed to reform Nigeria’s livestock sector, aiming to address key challenges in meat and dairy production.
The submission of the report was announced on Thursday by his media adviser, Bayo Onanuga, via a post on X.
The committee, chaired by President Tinubu and co-chaired by former electoral chief Attahiru Jega, was tasked with designing a blueprint for the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development. Mr. Jega has been presiding over the committee’s meetings in the president’s absence.
The move follows the committee’s inauguration by President Tinubu on July 9, during which he outlined its mission to implement policies that would enhance meat and dairy production and mitigate the violent clashes between herders and farmers—an issue that has claimed thousands of lives across Nigeria.
“Inaugurating this committee marks a decisive step towards unlocking the potential of our livestock industry,” President Tinubu said.
“With the right approach, livestock farming, dairy production, and cold-chain logistics present immense opportunities for growth. We are determined to turn the adversity of recent years into a path for prosperity.”
He expressed confidence that the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development would significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependency on dairy imports and bolster local production.
“The dairy industry is crucial to our nutrition and food security. It provides essential proteins and vitamins, and efficient cold-chain logistics are vital to ensuring that dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter reach consumers while maintaining quality and safety,” he added.
The proposal to create a dedicated ministry for livestock has sparked both praise and controversy. Supporters, including APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, believe the new ministry will allow the government to focus more effectively on livestock development. Critics, however, argue that creating another ministry could expand an already bloated government.
This comes as the Tinubu administration had earlier expressed intentions to streamline government operations, citing the Oronsaye report, which recommends reducing the size of the government by merging or eliminating certain institutions.