KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development

KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently support the Ministry of Livestock Development in getting its office ready.

The association decried that nearly eight months after the establishment of this crucial ministry, the renovation of the permanent office allocated to it for its operations is yet to be started, noting that this delay has impeded the
implementation of essential policies and programmes aimed at promoting the livestock sector and its value chains across Nigeria.

KACRAN, in a statement on Saturday, signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello said: “When the Ministry was established on July 9, 2024, we, Nigeria’s pastoralists, viewed it as a long-awaited answer to our prayers and a significant step towards addressing over 50 years of
neglect in the livestock sector.

“However, the lack of progress since then has been disheartening, preventing the Ministry from fulfilling its critical role in ensuring food security and contributing to
the national economy.

“Currently, the Ministry functions more as a Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for it to operate independently and effectively.

“Despite the critical nature of its mission, the allocated office space/building remains unrenovated and a timeline for starting the renovation or completion has not been provided. This situation severely hampers the ability of the Honorable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff to coordinate effectively and execute
their responsibilities.

“Moreover, the financial resources allocated to the Ministry for the 2025 fiscal year are
insufficient for the Ministry to achieve its objectives.

“KACRAN is deeply concerned that without immediate attention to these challenges, the foundational goals of the Ministry will remain unattainable. As the political landscape evolves, it is vital that the focus remains on policy timely implementation rather than allowing the future of this very important Ministry to be muddling through uncertainties.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the renovation and operation of the Ministry’s office so that the Honourable Minister and staff can effectively promote and develop the livestock sector.

Additionally, we implore the President to invest significantly in the livestock
sector, for enabling the Ministry to actively engage in ensuring food security, enhancing the nation’s GDP, and reducing heavy reliance on imported milk and food products, which costs Nigeria billions of
dollars annually.

“Finally, KACRAN expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega as an Advisor on Presidential Livestock Reform Programmes. We hope that under his
guidance, the Ministry can achieve its goals and bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s pastoralists and the wider population.”

KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development