Tinubu selects former INEC Chairman to co-head livestock reform implementation committee

President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to co-chair the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms.

Tinubu revealed this at the inauguration of the committee at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, July 9.

The committee is expected to address the obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities that could benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.

He noted that the implementation of the reforms would require the collective efforts of members, drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians.

According to Tinubu: “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 to also 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 would need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which include state governments, to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

He also thanked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje for his efforts in “assembling experienced and reputable experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector.”

Tinubu said the “Ministry of Livestock Development will be created to further explore the potential in the area.”