President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, to a prominent new role.
This announcement was made during the inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
Jega has been named co-chairman of the committee, which is charged with removing obstacles to agricultural productivity and creating new opportunities across the livestock-farming value chain.
The President called for collective efforts from committee members, including both public and private sector representatives, state governors, and all Nigerians, for the successful implementation of these reforms.
Tinubu underscored that the initiative should transcend partisan politics, appointing himself as chairman of the committee and Jega as his deputy or co-chair.
He assured that while he may occasionally be absent, Jega will preside and continue to advance the committee’s objectives, focusing on national opportunity rather than politics.
During the inauguration at the Council Chamber of the State House, Tinubu expressed gratitude to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for assembling experienced experts to drive the opportunities in the livestock sector.
Tinubu highlighted the potential to establish a Ministry of Livestock Development, which would enable veterinary doctors to access research and cross-breeding opportunities, thus preventing violence linked to livestock farming.
The President also stressed the need to review and modernise traditional livestock farming methods, with the cooperation of state governments and other stakeholders, to unlock new growth and prosperity.
Tinubu tasked the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), with removing any legal barriers to the reforms, while the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, will support automation efforts.
The president stated the role of modern technology in driving these reforms and pledged that the Attorney-General will prioritise eliminating any laws that inhibit their objectives.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning has been tasked to craft a budget to support growth, and the Minister of Finance will arrange funding mechanisms.
While calling for comprehensive and collective reforms, Tinubu urged support from all stakeholders,
The president, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s ability to achieve prosperity despite past challenges, emphasising economic potential of livestock farming, including dairy products and cold-chain logistics.
