President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday appointed the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, to co-chair a committee on livestock reforms aimed at resolving the herders-farmers crisis and enhancing agricultural productivity, with plans to establish a Ministry of Livestock Development.
President Tinubu announced Jega’s appointment in Abuja at the inauguration of the committee, which will address the obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities benefiting farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.
Tinubu, who is the alternate chairman of the committee, stressed that the implementation of the reforms will require the collective efforts of members drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians.
He thanked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for his efforts in assembling experienced and reputable experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector, stating that a Ministry of Livestock Development will be created to further explore the potential in the area.
“When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts,” Tinubu asked in a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga.
“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,” President Tinubu stated.
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.
President Tinubu said the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr 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, Dr 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 actualisation 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.
“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.
“The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security by supplying essential proteins and vitamins, through milk and its derivatives, such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter. Efficient cold-chain logistics is crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farms to markets, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.
“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhance export opportunities, and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike,” the President said.
President Tinubu thanked the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, for his initiative and leadership of the committee.
Ganduje thanked the President for taking further action following the submission of a report on livestock reforms on September 28, 2023.
“We will surpass your expectations and bring succour to Nigerians. Once again, we thank the President,” the APC national chairman added.
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