The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) is one of the newest ministries in Nigeria, created on July 9, 2024, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Its establishment followed the recommendations of a Presidential Committee on National Livestock Reforms, which had earlier submitted 21 proposals in 2023. One of the key recommendations was the creation of a dedicated ministry to oversee livestock resources. The decision came against the backdrop of persistent herder–farmer conflicts in Nigeria and the need to modernize the livestock sector while freeing the Ministry of Agriculture to focus on crop production. The ministry was inaugurated alongside the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, chaired by President Tinubu himself with Prof. Attahiru Jega, former INEC chairman, serving as deputy chair. Its creation was seen as a strategic move to resolve long-standing tensions in the agricultural sector, promote ranching, and enhance animal husbandry practices. More importantly, the ministry’s mandate is tied to boosting protein production, creating jobs, increasing government revenue, and strengthening food security through the development of a sustainable livestock economy. Structurally, the FMLD is organized into about 17 departments, supported by special units and parastatals such as the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) and the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI). In September 2024, its mandate was formally documented through a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Its responsibilities include improving livestock productivity, enhancing disease control and veterinary services, fostering climate-smart livestock production, encouraging private investment, and empowering youth and women through livestock-related opportunities. The ministry also plays a role in promoting value addition, market access, and the development of pasture and genetic resources. While its creation was welcomed in many quarters, the ministry also faced some controversy. Critics questioned the overlap of responsibilities with the Ministry of Agriculture and suggested that other subsectors such as fisheries and poultry should have been included under its umbrella. Some industry stakeholders even proposed renaming it the Federal Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development to capture a broader mandate. Despite these debates, the ministry has quickly moved into action. By 2025, it had begun ambitious projects to boost milk production, including the importation of Danish dairy cattle, the registration of new pasture species, and the launch of a national animal genetic resources strategy in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The goal is to double Nigeria’s annual milk production within five years, cutting down the country’s heavy reliance on imports and strengthening the livestock value chain. In essence, the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development represents Nigeria’s deliberate attempt to give focused attention to a critical but often overlooked sector of the economy. It embodies the government’s efforts to address social conflicts, improve food security, and transform livestock into a globally competitive industry that can contribute significantly to national development.