Connect with us

Cover

Why Create a New Ministry?

Published

on

 

On July 9th, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria approved the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development. This announcement was made during the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee at the State House in Abuja. The committee is tasked with providing sector-focused solutions to address the perennial farmers-herders crisis in the country.

Advertisement

In September 2023, the National Livestock Reforms Committee recommended that President Tinubu establish a Ministry of Livestock Resources. Among other objectives, this new ministry aims to reduce the decades-long conflict between farmers and nomadic cattle herders nationwide.

However, this decision raises several critical questions. Why create a ministry for an issue that an existing committee is already addressing? Why has the committee been unable to resolve this issue? Will a ministry truly solve the problem between farmers and herders? Is this just another avenue for wasting scarce national resources?

Advertisement

In 2018, the then Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh, initiated the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) as a solution to the conflict between farmers and herders. This plan aimed to end open grazing by emphasizing the use of ranching to limit animal movement, a notable cause of clashes between the two groups. Despite its promise, the plan did not succeed, likely due to the unwillingness of the parties involved and the lack of execution by experts. As the former aide to ex-Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, pointed out, the NLTP, if effectively implemented, could solve the problem of farmer-herder clashes and modernize the livestock industry in our country.

This decision also raises concerns about political motivations. It seems like the president might be trying to gain favor in the North, given that cattle, which are central to the livestock ministry, are primarily associated with that region. However, livestock includes not just cattle but also goats, chickens, horses, pigs, ducks, sheep, and more.

Advertisement

Is the creation of a ministry the answer to this problem? I don’t think so. Without addressing past failures, the new ministry is unlikely to achieve its goals. Instead, effective implementation of the NLTP could benefit both farmers and herders, fostering harmony and benefiting the country economically.

Do we need a ministry for this? In my honest opinion, no. Creating a ministry will only complicate issues and lead to unnecessary spending on staffing and allocation. The bureaucratic process of establishing a new ministry in Nigeria is cumbersome. If the NLTP is effectively implemented, it could be beneficial for both parties and bring economic benefits to the country.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Banking/Finance2 days ago

Analyst Predict Fidelity to meet Recaptalization Threshold ahead of Regulatory Deadline

Cover3 days ago

Glo intensifies network upgrade, reassures of enhanced customer experience

Cover4 days ago

Osun LG Crisis: Why President Tinubu Must Call His Nephew, Gboyega Oyetola to Order

Uncategorized5 days ago

“Stop disgracing Womanhood with your disrespectful attitude”–Angry Niger Delta women tells Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Uncategorized6 days ago

Niger Delta Groups Ask Senator Natasha’s Husband To Call Her To Order Over Outburst Against Akpabio

Banking/Finance1 week ago

Fidelity Bank Enhances Educational Facilities in Benin, Abuja

Cover1 week ago

Patoranking, Cobinnah grace Glo-sponsored African Voices 

Cover2 weeks ago

MoneyMaster PSB deploys cutting-edge software for agency banking

Cover2 weeks ago

What I Dislike About Primate Elijah Ayodele, Whom I Love So Much

Cover2 weeks ago

Ex-President George Weah, Phillip Shaibu, Others Commission Primate Ayodele’s Church In Lagos

Cover2 weeks ago

Abandoned Roads: Lagos Assembly Sends Fresh Message

Cover2 weeks ago

BREAKING! Primate Ayodele Welcomes Former Liberia President, George Weah To Nigeria (PHOTOS)

Cover2 weeks ago

Ex-Liberia President, George Weah, NFF President, Others To Honour Primate Ayodele On Feb 13

Cover2 weeks ago

Glo announces exciting deal for Customers  on Samsung Galaxy S25

Banking/Finance2 weeks ago

Polaris Bank, partners take presentation of school essentials to Gbaja Girls Secondary Schools, Lagos