In a strategic move aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s livestock sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega as Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform initiative.
The appointment, announced on Friday, underscores the administration’s commitment to implementing comprehensive reforms in the livestock industry, a critical sector for national food security, economic growth, and conflict resolution between farmers and herders.
Professor Jega, a respected academic and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), previously co-chaired the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reform alongside President Tinubu. The committee, tasked with addressing long-standing challenges in the sector, put forward far-reaching recommendations, including the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development—now operational with a minister at the helm.
Jega, 68, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. A former Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, he currently serves as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education. He is also a distinguished member of the International Elections Advisory Council.
As the Special Adviser and Coordinator of the livestock reform agenda, Jega is expected to drive policy implementation, oversee strategic interventions, and facilitate stakeholder engagements to ensure sustainable and conflict-free livestock development across the country. His leadership in this role is anticipated to reinforce the gains of the presidential committee and provide continuity for the ongoing reforms.
President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized livestock reform as part of its broader agricultural transformation agenda, aiming to enhance productivity, modernize grazing practices, and resolve recurring farmer-herder clashes through structured policies. With Jega at the helm of coordination, the initiative is expected to gain further momentum toward achieving these objectives.