The federal government has clarified the rationale behind the proposed ministry of livestock development, stating that it aims to enhance protein production, increase employment opportunities, and boost government revenue.
President Bola Tinubu announced the establishment of the ministry on Tuesday, separating it from the current ministry of agriculture. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, provided insights after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.
Fagbemi emphasized that the livestock ministry will focus specifically on livestock development, allowing the ministry of agriculture to concentrate on other agricultural areas. He highlighted the potential benefits in terms of protein intake improvement, employment generation, and revenue enhancement for the government.
While acknowledging concerns about expanding government during economically challenging times, Fagbemi asserted that the anticipated benefits of the new ministry outweigh the associated costs. He underscored the importance of prioritizing the overall interest of Nigerian citizens in governmental decisions.
In conclusion, Fagbemi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing livestock production on a large scale, which is expected to contribute significantly to national development objectives.