President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as co-chairman of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms.

Tinubu disclosed Jega’s appointment during the inauguration of the committee on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The committee will address the obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities which benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.

He noted that the implementation of the reforms would require the collective efforts of members, drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians.

According to Tinubu: “When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts?

“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.”

The President noted that the traditional method of livestock farming would need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which include state governments, to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

He also thanked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje for his efforts in “assembling experienced and reputable experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector.”

Tinubu said the “Ministry of Livestock Development will be created to further explore the potential in the area.”