Nigerian Government inaugurates committee on Livestock Reforms to boost agricultural productivity

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasises the implementation of his administration’s ongoing reforms requires the collective efforts of members of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms, drawn from the public, private sectors, state governors, and indeed, all Nigerians

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Tuesday, July 9, 2024, in Abuja, FCT, inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms to address obstacles to agricultural productivity.

ConsumerConnect reports the Presidential Committee, which President Tinubu inaugurated in the Council Chamber of the State House, is also mandated to open up new opportunities, which benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain in Nigeria.

Tinubu, subsequently, appointed Prof. Attahiru Jega, a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as the Co-Chairman of the Committee.

On attaining the objective of Livestock Reforms, President Tinubu emphasised that implementation of the reforms would require the collective efforts of members of the Committee, drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians.

Speaking on the occasion, the Nigerian leader stated: “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.”

He also said: “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 commended Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for his efforts at assembling experienced and reputable experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector.

According to him, a Ministry of Livestock Development will be created to further explore the potential in the area of the agricultural sector of the Nigerian economy.

The President further stated: “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 also to 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 will need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which include state governments, in order to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

Tinubu said Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister for Justice, would ensure the removal of all legal obstacles to the implementation of the reforms, while Dr. ’Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, would 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,’’ stated he.

The Nigerian leader further noted that the reforms would be comprehensive and collective, urging the support of all stakeholders.

Tinubu said: “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.”