President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Attahiru Jega, the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, as co-chairman of the committee responsible for coordinating the implementation of livestock reforms in Nigeria.
Jega’s appointment was announced by presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale during the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
President Tinubu stated that Jega will oversee the committee, which has been established to tackle barriers to agricultural productivity and create new opportunities for farmers, herders, processors, and distributors within the livestock-farming value chain.
He emphasized that the successful implementation of these reforms will require the collective efforts of committee members from both the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians.
He said, “From here, I will appeal to everyone to remove every iota of partisan politics from this. I will assume the chairmanship of the committee as President and appoint Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair.
“This is not about politics; this is about opportunity. This is about our nation. While I may be absent, Jega will preside and continue to promote our objectives.
“When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts?
“With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings.”
The President noted that the traditional method of livestock farming will need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which include state governments, to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Tinubu said the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), will ensure the removal of all legal obstacles to the implementation of the reforms, while the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, will provide support with automation.
“Modern technology is available to us. We are ready to work. I said at the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here, and we must run with it. Any law that might inhibit the promotion and actualization of our objectives, the Attorney-General is here, please give it a priority, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning is here; create a budget for it to grow, and the Minister of Finance is here as well to work out the money,’’ the President stated.
The President also said the reforms will be comprehensive and collective, urging the support of all stakeholders.
He added, “We need to provide the incentive to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming; dairy products and cold-chain logistics collectively offer substantial commercial and economic advantages. We have seen solutions and opportunities. With these adversities that have plagued us over the years, I believe that prosperity is here in your hands.”
