Tinubu’s Cabinet Could Expand to 50 Ministers with the New Livestock Ministry
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has expanded the number of ministries to 29 with the creation of the new Ministry of Livestock Development. This move could increase the number of ministers to 50.
On Tuesday, President Tinubu announced the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development during the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The ministry aims to address the persistent farmer-herder conflicts, develop modern ranches, and enhance livestock farming in Nigeria.
This initiative is part of the federal government’s efforts to mitigate the growing farmers/herders conflicts, which negatively impact the nation’s food security and contribute to rising food inflation, currently over 40%.
The President’s cabinet currently consists of 46 ministers, with two positions—Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, and Minister of Labour—currently vacant. The creation of the new ministry and potential appointments could raise the number of cabinet ministers to 50.
This development comes amid calls for the implementation of the Steve Oronsaye report, which recommended the rationalization of the federal government’s Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The report suggested reducing the 263 MDAs to 161, scrapping 38, merging 52, and reverting 14 to departments within various ministries.
During the inauguration, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of livestock farming, dairy production, and cold chain logistics in boosting agricultural productivity, enhancing export opportunities, and stimulating economic growth. He highlighted the potential benefits of the initiative for farmers, processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike.
The President urged governors to revoke laws that might inhibit the promotion and realization of the initiative and called for budgetary support from the finance and economic planning ministers. He also stressed the importance of depoliticizing the initiative and focusing on its economic and social benefits.
Tinubu thanked former Kano State Governor and APC Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje for his role in assembling experts to find solutions to livestock reforms and associated conflicts. The President appointed Attahiru Jega as deputy or co-chair of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms.
“This is not about politics; this is about opportunity and our nation,” Tinubu said. “I believe the prosperity is here in your hands. We are ready to work for the success of this program and for the success of the entire nation.”
The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing longstanding agricultural challenges and promoting sustainable development in the livestock sector.
