Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has appointed Prof. Attahiru Jega, the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as co-chairman of the newly established Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the committee at the presidential villa on Tuesday, July 9.
Man Who Climbed Mast to Protest Against Tinubu’s Hardship Sent for Mental Evaluation
The committee, as previously reported by Politics Nigeria, aims to address obstacles to agricultural productivity and create opportunities for farmers, herders, processors, and distributors within the livestock-farming value chain.
In his remarks, President Tinubu emphasized the need for collective effort in implementing the reforms, involving members from both the public and private sectors, state governors, and Nigerians at large. He stressed the importance of setting aside partisan politics to focus on national interests.
Pay Attention To: Breaking: Tinubu creates Ministry of Livestock Development
“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,” Tinubu announced. “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.”
The President appreciated the efforts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, for assembling experienced and reputable experts to activate opportunities in the livestock sector. Tinubu highlighted the necessity of reviewing and modernizing traditional livestock farming methods with support from state governments and stakeholders.
“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 killing,” Tinubu noted.
To ensure the removal of legal obstacles and support the implementation of the reforms, President Tinubu announced the roles of key government officials. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), will address legal issues, while the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, will assist with automation. The President also urged the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and the Minister of Finance to prioritize and allocate necessary resources for the reforms.
“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.
Tinubu underscored the importance of comprehensive and collective reforms, urging the support of all stakeholders. He highlighted the potential economic benefits of livestock farming, including dairy products and cold-chain logistics, and expressed optimism about the future.
“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.”
