In a strategic move to revolutionize Nigeria’s livestock sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as the Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative.
The appointment, announced on Friday night by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, aims to foster meaningful advancements in the livestock industry, boost economic growth, and ensure sustainable agricultural development across the country.
Jega, an accomplished academic and former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, co-chaired the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee alongside President Tinubu. The committee was tasked with drafting strategic policies to modernize livestock farming, curb conflicts between herders and farmers, and implement far-reaching solutions to improve the industry.
One of the key recommendations made by the committee was the establishment of a dedicated Livestock Ministry, which has now been actualized with a minister in charge of livestock affairs. With his new advisory role, Jega is expected to spearhead policy implementation, ensuring that reforms proposed by the committee translate into tangible results for farmers, herders, and the broader agricultural sector.
At 68, Jega remains an influential figure in governance and academia. He currently serves as a member of the International Elections Advisory Council and holds the position of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council at Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kano.
Jega’s tenure as INEC Chairman between 2010 and 2015 was marked by significant electoral reforms, including the introduction of biometric voter registration, which enhanced the credibility of Nigeria’s election process.
Speaking on the appointment, Onanuga stated, “His appointment as Special Adviser to President Tinubu will reinforce the gains of the presidential committee and ensure the continued momentum of the reforms already in motion. With his vast experience in governance and policy implementation, he is well-positioned to drive transformational change in the livestock sector.”
The livestock reform initiative is expected to address key challenges such as grazing land allocation, modernization of livestock farming techniques, and improving productivity in the sector. Jega’s leadership in this role is anticipated to bring innovative solutions that will enhance food security, promote peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders, and unlock economic opportunities within the industry.
As the Tinubu administration continues to prioritize agricultural transformation, stakeholders are hopeful that Jega’s expertise and policy-driven approach will create lasting reforms that will benefit both small-scale farmers and commercial livestock businesses across Nigeria.
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