The Federal Government clarified on Wednesday the reasoning behind the proposed establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development, highlighting its potential to boost protein production, create more jobs, and increase government revenue.
President Bola Tinubu announced the creation of this new ministry from the current Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, addressed concerns about expanding government amidst resource constraints during a press briefing after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Fagbemi explained that the Ministry of Livestock Development aims to focus specifically on enhancing livestock production, allowing the Ministry of Agriculture to concentrate on other agricultural priorities.
He emphasized the significant benefits expected from this move in terms of improved protein availability, increased employment opportunities, and enhanced government earnings, all of which are expected to positively impact the lives of Nigerians.
Responding to criticisms about increasing governance costs, Fagbemi acknowledged the initial financial implications but stressed that the long-term advantages would outweigh these concerns.
He underscored the potential for large-scale livestock production to generate substantial revenue and create employment opportunities across the country.
The Attorney General concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving protein intake through robust livestock development policies, stating, “While the government aims to reduce governance costs, exceptions are made when the overall interest of Nigerian citizens is at stake.
The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development is aligned with this principle, focusing on maximizing benefits for our people.”
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