Tinubu Appoints Attahiru Jega as Presidential Adviser on Livestock Reforms

President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, as the Presidential Adviser and Coordinator of Presidential Livestock Reforms.

The appointment was confirmed on Friday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Jega had previously been serving as the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reform, which was tasked with addressing the persistent conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria.

In September 2024, Jega submitted a 152-page report to the President, outlining recommendations on livestock management and conflict resolution. He explained that both ranching and open grazing could coexist in the short term while the country builds the necessary infrastructure and awareness for a full transition to ranching. The committee also emphasized the need for modern technology in livestock production.

By October 2024, President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to livestock reforms, expressing confidence in the newly established Livestock Development Ministry. Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop held at the Presidential Villa, he highlighted the sector’s potential and noted the increasing interest from foreign investors looking to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s livestock industry.