AGF Defends Creation of Livestock Ministry, Cites Potential Revenue Generation

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has defended the creation of a new ministry focused on livestock development, citing its potential to generate significant revenue for the government.

Speaking to State House correspondents after a recent Federal Executive Council meeting, Fagbemi explained that the proposed ministry would allow the Ministry of Agriculture to concentrate on other areas, while the new ministry would focus on livestock development.

According to Fagbemi, the creation of the ministry is necessary to achieve the government's goal of increasing protein intake, employment opportunities, and revenue generation. He acknowledged that the move may seem to contradict President Tinubu's drive to reduce governance costs, but argued that the benefits of the ministry outweigh the costs.

"So, in respect of the Ministry of Livestock Development, in relation to the government's policy of reducing governance, to every general rule, there must be an exception," Fagbemi said. "What is guiding the addition of government or action or reaction of government is the overall interest of Nigerian citizens."

Fagbemi also highlighted the potential benefits of the ministry, including improved protein intake, increased employment opportunities, and additional revenue for the government. He emphasized that the ministry would be established in a way that ensures the benefits outweigh the costs.

The AGF's comments come as the government prepares to establish the Ministry of Livestock Development, which is expected to play a key role in the country's agricultural sector.