By Peter Jatau, Abuja, Nigeria – June 6, 2025
The House of Representatives Committee on the Non-Utilization of Takeoff Grants and Bailout Funds has interrogated the newly created Federal Ministry of Livestock Development over its failure to utilize a ₦10 billion takeoff grant allocated for 2025.
At a hearing chaired by Hon. Emeka Martins Chinedu, the committee demanded explanations from the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, over the ministry’s 2025 budget, its procurement and utilization plans, and documentation on how it intends to implement its programs. The committee also requested relevant documents including the ministry’s procurement plan, award letters for contracts, advertisement acts, and details of the 2025 budget execution procedures.
Responding to the lawmakers, Minister Maiha explained that the ministry—established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July 2024—is still in its formative stages and currently operating from a temporary office space, with limited personnel and only one official vehicle assigned to the permanent secretary.
He added that the ₦10 billion grant had not yet been accessed because of delays at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) related to procurement guidelines and structural gaps within the ministry.
Despite the funding challenges, Maiha stated that the ministry had made notable progress in promoting food security, providing employment opportunities, supporting the less privileged, and organizing training programs in the livestock sector.
Hon. Chinedu, however, insisted that the committee would continue to press for clarity, transparency, and a full breakdown of how funds are expected to be used. He announced that the committee would embark on state visits to assess the ministry’s engagement with state governments on livestock development initiatives.
Meanwhile, the House has expanded its scrutiny of public funds with a broader investigation into the utilization of takeoff grants, bailout funds, and special interventions disbursed to ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and government-owned enterprises (GOEs) from 2015 to 2024.
Chinedu noted that the goal of the investigation is to promote good governance, enhance public accountability, and strengthen democratic institutions.
He disclosed that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has been given a two-week deadline to submit a full record of disbursements. The CBN, EFCC, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare are also required to submit reports detailing funds received, recipients, and usage.
The committee granted the CBN a two-week extension, with its governor, Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, scheduled to appear before the lawmakers on May 2, 2025. The EFCC has requested a formal report to enable it to evaluate the flow of funds, while the Federal Ministry of Health has asked for more time to collect information from various health institutions nationwide.
The investigations come amid growing public concern over the mismanagement and diversion of public funds, with lawmakers vowing to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
