President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms on Tuesday in Abuja.
The committee would address obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities to benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock value chain.
Tinubu is chairman of the committee. He appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as Co-Chairman.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, stated that Tinubu noted that the implementation of the reforms would require collective efforts of committee members drawn from the public and private sectors.
I appeal to everyone to remove every iota of partisan politics from this.
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,’’ Ngelale quoted Tinubu as saying.
He stated that a Ministry of Livestock Development would be created to further explore the potential in the area.
When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts?
With the calibre of people in the committee, 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 said.
He noted that the traditional livestock farming method needed to be reviewed and repositioned to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
The president said also that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) would ensure the removal of all legal obstacles to the implementation of the livestock reforms.
The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, he added, would provide support with automation.
“Modern technology is available to us. We are ready to work. The solution is here, and we must run with it,’’ he said.
Tinubu directed the attorney-general to give priority to any law that might inhibit the promotion and actualisation of its objectives.
He also directed the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning to create a budget for the sector to grow adding that the Minister of Finance should “work out the money’’.
The president also said the reforms would be comprehensive and collective, urging the support of all stakeholders.
We need to provide the incentive to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming; dairy products and cold-chain logistics, which collectively offer substantial commercial and economic advantages.
We have seen solutions and opportunities. With the adversities that have plagued us over the years, I believe that prosperity is here – in our hands.
The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security by supplying essential proteins and vitamins, through milk and its derivatives, such as cheese, yoghurt, and butter.
Efficient cold-chain logistics is crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farms to markets, thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a steady supply.
This sector will boost agricultural productivity; enhance export opportunities and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefits farmers, processors, herders, distributors, and consumers alike,’’ the president stressed.
The president thanked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje for his efforts in assembling experienced and reputable experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector.
I thank the National Chairman of the APC for assembling the best minds and experts to find solutions by convening the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria last February,’’ the president said.
In his remarks, Ganduje thanked the president for taking further action, following the submission of the report on livestock reforms on September 28, 2023.
We will surpass your expectations and bring succour to Nigerians,’’ Ganduje said.
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