President Bola Tinubu has received the much-anticipated report from a committee he established to reform Nigeria’s livestock sector, with the goal of addressing critical issues in meat and dairy production.
The submission was announced on Thursday by his media adviser, Bayo Onanuga, via a post on X.
The committee, led by President Tinubu and co-chaired by former electoral chief Attahiru Jega, was tasked with developing a blueprint for creating a Ministry of Livestock Development. In President Tinubu’s absence, Mr. Jega has overseen the committee’s meetings.
This follows the committee’s inauguration by President Tinubu on July 9, where he outlined its mandate to implement policies aimed at boosting meat and dairy production, as well as curbing the violent conflicts between herders and farmers—an issue responsible for thousands of deaths across the country.
“Inaugurating this committee is a crucial step toward unlocking the potential of our livestock industry,” President Tinubu remarked.
“With the right policies, livestock farming, dairy production, and cold-chain logistics can become powerful drivers of growth. We are committed to turning the challenges of recent years into pathways for prosperity.”
He expressed confidence that establishing a Ministry of Livestock Development would significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on dairy imports and boost domestic production.
“The dairy industry is vital for our nutrition and food security. It provides essential proteins and vitamins, and efficient cold-chain logistics are critical to ensuring that dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter reach consumers while maintaining their quality and safety,” he added.
The proposal to create a dedicated ministry for livestock has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters, including APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, see it as an opportunity for more focused government attention on livestock development. Critics, however, warn that adding another ministry could worsen an already oversized government.
This development follows earlier statements from the Tinubu administration about streamlining government operations, referencing the Oronsaye report, which recommends reducing the size of the government by merging or eliminating certain agencies.
