Tinubu Appoints Ex-INEC Chair Jega to Lead Committee on Livestock Reforms

Segun Atanda/

President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as Co-Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms.

The announcement was made during the committee’s inauguration in Abuja, where Tinubu emphasized the committee’s role in addressing agricultural productivity obstacles and enhancing opportunities for farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock value chain.

Tinubu, serving as the alternative chairman of the committee, highlighted the importance of collective effort from public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians for successful implementation of the reforms. He expressed gratitude to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for assembling experienced experts to drive the livestock sector’s growth.

The President proposed the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development to capitalize on the sector’s potential, providing necessary support for veterinary research and innovation. He stressed the need to shift from traditional livestock farming methods to modern, stakeholder-supported practices.

To ensure smooth implementation, President Tinubu tasked the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), with removing legal obstacles, and the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, with providing technological support.

Highlighting the economic benefits, Tinubu pointed out that dairy products and cold-chain logistics offer substantial commercial opportunities, contributing to nutrition and food security, and reducing food waste. The comprehensive reforms aim to boost agricultural productivity, enhance export potential, and stimulate economic growth, benefiting all stakeholders in the livestock value chain.

The President commended Ganduje for his leadership and assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to fostering prosperity through these reforms. Ganduje, in turn, thanked Tinubu for his decisive actions and pledged to exceed expectations in delivering results.