President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms to tackle obstacles in agricultural productivity and create new opportunities for stakeholders in the livestock value chain.
The inauguration took place on Tuesday in Abuja, as part of a comprehensive effort to benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors.
In a statement signed by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s special adviser, the committee will draw members from both the public and private sectors, including state governors. Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, has been appointed as co-chairman alongside President Tinubu.
“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 stated. “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.”
Tinubu highlighted the need to modernize traditional livestock farming methods with the support of various stakeholders, including state governments, to unlock new growth and prosperity opportunities. He emphasized the importance of collective and comprehensive reforms and the necessity for stakeholder support to provide incentives that would allow Nigerians to fully benefit from livestock farming, particularly in dairy products and cold-chain logistics.
Tinubu also tasked Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi with removing legal obstacles to the reforms, and Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, with supporting automation efforts. “Modern technology is available to us. We are ready to work. 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 concluded by noting the potential benefits of the reforms, including enhancing the dairy industry’s contribution to nutrition and food security through improved cold-chain logistics, which is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of perishable goods from farms to markets, thus reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.
“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,” Tinubu said.
