- In his new position, Jega will oversee the surmounting of the challenges and barriers that plague agricultural productivity
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has secured a plum job in president Bola Tinubu government.
Tinubu appointed Jega as co-chairman of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms.
The committee was inaugurated at the presidential villa in Abuja on Tuesday shortly after the creation of the livestock ministry.
In his new position, Jega will oversee the surmounting of the challenges and barriers that plague agricultural productivity and creating new opportunities for farmers, herders, processors, and distributors within the livestock-farming value chain.
The President emphasized that the successful implementation of these reforms would require the collective efforts of committee members from both the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians.
“I appeal to everyone to remove any element 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 stated. “This is not about politics; this is about opportunity and our nation. While I may be absent, Jega will preside and continue to promote our objectives.”
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 gathering experienced experts to ensure the harnessing of opportunities in the livestock sector.
“With the calibre of people here, this presents a unique opportunity to establish a central ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. It will enable our veterinary doctors to access research and cross-breeding opportunities and help us stop the wanton killings,” Tinubu added.
The President noted that the traditional methods of livestock farming need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, including state governments, to open new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Tinubu said the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), will remove legal impediments to the reforms, while the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, will support automation efforts.
“Modern technology is available to us. We are ready to work. With all of you, the solution is here, and we must run with it. Any law that might inhibit our objectives, the Attorney-General will prioritize its removal. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning will create a budget for growth, and the Minister of Finance will work out the funding,” Tinubu stated.
The President called for comprehensive and collective reforms, urging the support of all stakeholders.
“We need to provide incentives to enable Nigeria to take advantage of livestock farming. Dairy products and cold-chain logistics collectively offer substantial commercial and economic advantages. Despite the adversities we have faced over the years, I believe prosperity is within our reach,” Tinubu concluded.
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