By, Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria KACRAN has appeals to President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu for urgent support regarding the Ministry of Livestock Development.
In a press statement by Khalid Muhammad Bello the national president of the association said that, It is seriously concerning that nearly eight months after the establishment of this crucial ministry, the renovation of the Parmanemt office allocated to it for its operations is yet to be started.
This delay has impeded the
implementation of essential policies and programs aimed at promoting the livestock sector and its value chains across Nigeria.
When the Ministry was established on July 9, 2024, we, Nigeria’s pastoralists, viewed it as a
long-awaited answer to our prayers and a significant step towards addressing over 50 years of neglect in the livestock sector.
However, the lack of progress since then has been disheartening,
preventing the Ministry from fulfilling its critical role in ensuring food security and contributing to the national economy.
Currently, the Ministry functions more as a Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for it to operate independently and effectively.
Despite the critical nature of its mission, the allocated office space/building remains unrenovated and a timeline for starting the renovation or completion has not been provided. This situation severely hampers the ability of the Honorable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff to coordinate effectively and execute their responsibilities.
Moreover, the financial resources allocated to the Ministry for the 2025 fiscal year are
insufficient for the Ministry to achieve its objectives.
KACRAN is deeply concerned that without immediate attention to these challenges, the foundational goals of the Ministry will remain unattainable. As the political landscape evolves, it is vital that the focus remains on policy timely implementation rather than allowing the future of this very important Ministry to be muddling through uncertainties.
We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the renovation and operation of the Ministry’s office so that the Honorable Minister and staff can effectively promote and develop the livestock sector.
Additionally, we implore the President to invest significantly in the livestock sector, for enabling the Ministry to actively engage in ensuring food security, enhancing the nation’s GDP, and reducing heavy reliance on imported milk and food products, which costs Nigeria billions of dollars annually.
Therefore KACRAN expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega as an Advisor on Presidential Livestock Reform Programs.
We hope that under his guidance, the Ministry can achieve its goals and bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s pastoralists
and the wider population at large.
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