President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, assuring of his readiness to implement recommendations on ranching and other livestock reforms to enhance the Nigerian economy.
Speaking at the inauguration, President Tinubu emphasized the potential of the livestock industry to boost agricultural productivity, export opportunities, and economic growth, noting that the sector contributes significantly to nutrition and food security.
He thanked former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for convening a national conference on livestock reforms and commended the committee members for their expertise and commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity.
“Let me take advantage of the presence here, to thank the former executive governor of Kano State and the chairman of All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, for assembling the best minds and experts to find a solution by convening a national conference on livestock reforms and mitigation of associate conflicts in Nigeria. “The far-reaching recommendation in their report informed our decision to constitute and inaugurate this presidential committee on the implementation of livestock reforms and seize the great opportunity to better the lives of our people, rather than the conflict-promoted agenda.”
The Nigerian Leader appealed for a non-partisan approach, emphasizing that the initiative is about seizing opportunities for wealth creation and nation-building, not politics.
“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.
“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,’’ the President said.
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President Tinubu assured the public of his administration’s readiness to work with the committee to create a thriving economy and establish a separate Ministry of Livestock Development.
“The dairy industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security that supply essential proteins and vitamins through the milk and its derivatives such chess, yoghurt, butter and economic advantages. Efficient cold-chain, logistics are crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farm to market, 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 noted that the traditional method of livestock farming will need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which include state governments, to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
President Tinubu added that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), will ensure the removal of all legal obstacles to the implementation of the reforms, while the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani will provide support with automation.
“Traditional livestock system must be reformed to add significant and sustainable value to Nigeria’s social economic growth and development with all measures that are available to us.
“As I said from the beginning, with you, all of you, the solution is here and we must run with it. The governors are hereby represented, any law that might inhibit the promotion and the actualization of our objective, the Attorney General is here, please give it a priority, and the budget and economic planning minister is here, find a budget head for it to grow and finance is here as well to work hard for the money.
“This presents a unique opportunity also to delineate and establish a separate ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development. We will develop the economy, and give people the opportunity to excel.”
In his remarks, the former Chairman of the committee, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje thanked the President for taking further action, following the submission of a report on livestock reforms on September 28, 2023.
“We will surpass your expectations and bring succour to Nigerians. Once, again, we thank the President,’’ the APC National Chairman added.
Recall that President Tinubu announced the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
The creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development is part of President Tinubu’s administration to end several clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria as well as reorganize the livestock industry in the country.
