Livestock Ministry Raises Concern Over Lack of Capital Funds Since 2024

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development says the non-release of capital funds since 2024 has affected the implementation of some of its projects and programmes.

The ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon, disclosed this while speaking with our correspondent.

Okokon said the funding shortfall was a major concern as the Federal Government seeks to expand the livestock sector and increase its contribution to the economy.

She said despite the challenge, the ministry had continued to carry out interventions in some states, including Delta and Cross River.

Okokon also said 100 heifers were distributed in Enugu State, with another 100 given to beneficiaries in Delta State.

According to her, President Bola Tinubu has approved the expansion of the livestock interventions from 18 to 30 states, covering all geopolitical zones.

She said the expansion would ensure that more states, including those in the southern part of the country, benefit from government livestock programmes.

The ministry’s funding concerns come as the Federal Government targets an increase in the livestock sector’s economic contribution from about 32 billion dollars to 74 billion dollars by 2035 under the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy.

The ministry was established in July 2024 to drive the development of Nigeria’s livestock sector, improve productivity and strengthen food security.