Concerns are mounting in the northern region regarding the delay in the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, which was announced by President Bola Tinubu in July,leadership reports.
On July 9, 2024, President Tinubu introduced the National Livestock Reforms Committee, chaired by Professor Attahiru Jega, to develop the framework for the ministry’s effective launch. The committee’s mandate includes devising sector-specific solutions to address the longstanding conflict between farmers and herders.
Prior to this, on September 14, 2023, the National Livestock Reforms Committee had recommended that the federal government establish a “Ministry of Livestock Resources” to address the decades-long conflicts between farmers and cattle herders nationwide. This recommendation was endorsed by the Jega-led committee.
However, 52 days after its inauguration, the committee has yet to submit its report to the president. During a visit to President Tinubu on July 27, 2024, Jega promised that the report would be ready within two weeks, by August 7, 2024. Despite this assurance, 24 days have passed without the report being delivered to the presidency.
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Jega acknowledged the challenges, stating, “Within the next two weeks, we should be able to present a report to Mr. President, from which we can then begin the process of actual implementation. The challenges are significant, and while it will be difficult, it is not impossible to get it right.”
When LEADERSHIP Sunday inquired about the progress from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, an official indicated that inquiries should be directed to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), which is responsible for overseeing the livestock ministry. However, officials from the SGF office declined to comment.
Jega is currently mourning the death of his mother, who passed away on August 17, 2024.
The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) expressed concern over the apparent delay in the ministry’s establishment. NEF spokesperson Abdulazeez Suleiman highlighted the importance of the ministry, stating, “The proposed livestock ministry was met with optimism as it represents a focused approach to tackling the challenges within the livestock sector. However, as weeks turn into months with no visible progress, NEF is worried about the ministry’s operational status and effectiveness.”
Suleiman emphasized that the delays could undermine public confidence and worsen existing tensions, given the ministry’s crucial role in addressing issues such as cattle rustling and farmer-herder conflicts. He called for increased accountability and responsiveness from the government to ensure the sector’s growth and stability.
Similarly, the national publicity secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Prof. T. Muhammad-Baba, remarked, “The slow pace of government bureaucracy is not unexpected. It may take months before we see any concrete developments. Additionally, the Tinubu administration has a tendency to announce policies before fully developing the necessary details, leading to populist optics but lacking substantial measures.”
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) also voiced concerns about the delay. Its president-general, Yerima Shettima, urged President Tinubu to ensure that the ministry becomes a reality, stating, “We hope that the establishment of the livestock ministry is genuine and not for political gains. We are watching carefully to see how it unfolds.”
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) called for support for the ministry’s smooth take-off. MACBAN president Baba Othman-Ngelzarma emphasized the importance of building a solid structure for the ministry, noting that the committee needs sufficient time to ensure its success. He expressed confidence in Jega’s ability to deliver strong recommendations that would drive the livestock sector forward.
The president of the All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kabir Ibrahim, downplayed concerns about the delay, citing the lack of budgetary provision for the ministry in the 2024 budget as a contributing factor. He expressed optimism about the ministry’s eventual launch, affirming his belief in the government’s commitment to the livestock industry.
