Nigeria Moves Toward Livestock Ministry As Tinubu Receives Dairy Industry Reform Report

With Nigeria seeking to strengthen its dairy industry, President Bola Tinubu was presented with a report Thursday by a committee set up to reform the livestock sector.

Former electoral chief Attahiru Jega takes over the meetings in the absence of Tinubu, who leads the committee aimed at highlighting how to create a Ministry of Livestock Development.

Tinubu's media adviser Bayo Onanuga shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) a photo of the president receiving the report of the presidential committee on the implementation of livestock reforms from Jega.

Tinubu launched the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms in Abuja on July 9, intending to overcome challenges in agricultural productivity and create new opportunities for farmers, herders, processors and distributors in the livestock-farming sector.

"I'm here before you to inaugurate the committee for the implementation of the livestock in our beloved country. First and foremost, to provide impetus to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming, dairy product, cold chain logistics, collectively offers substantial commercial and economic advantages," he said, Premium Times reported.

Tinubu emphasized that the challenges Nigeria has faced over the years also presented solutions and opportunities, stating, "I believe the prosperity is here in your hands."

He explained that the new ministry will boost dairy production in Nigeria, which currently imported most of its dairy products.

The president highlighted the importance of the dairy industry for nutrition and food security, as it provides essential proteins and vitamins through milk and products like cheese, yogurt, and butter.

He added that having efficient cold-chain logistics was essential for keeping these perishable goods safe and fresh from farms to markets, reducing food waste and ensuring a reliable supply.

While APC national chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria applauded this initiative of the livestock ministry, critics have argued that creating a new ministry will increase the size of the government, which many including the Tinubu administration have described as bloated.

The Tinubu-led administration previously shared its intention to implement the Orasanye report -- created by the previous government in 2012 -- which recommended reducing the size of government by eliminating some institutions and merging others.