President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, expressing readiness to implement recommendations on ranching and other livestock reforms to enhance the economy.
The President, who doubles as Chairman of the Committee, also appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmud Jega, as co-Chairman of the body designed to minimise the age-long conflict between farmers and herders in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee at the State House, Abuja on Tuesday, President Tinubu emphasised 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 Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for convening a national 1livestock reforms and commended the committee members for their expertise andt commitment to Nigeria’s prosperity.
First and foremost, to provide impetus to enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming, diary product, cold chain logistics, collectively offers substantial commercial and economic advantages. We have seen the solution and opportunity, with this adversity that has plagued us over the years, and I believe the prosperity is here in your hands.
“The diary industry contributes significantly to nutrition and food security that supply essential proteins and vitamins through milk and its derivatives such as 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.
Pix: Tinubu
“This sector will boost agricultural productivity, enhanced export opportunities and stimulate economic growth by fostering a robust value chain that benefit farmers, processors, herders, distributors and consumers alike.
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 solution by convening national conference on livestock reforms and mitigation of associate conflicts in Nigeria in February last here.
“The far reaching recommendations 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.
“It is our renewed hope and I believe that hope is here in trying to see a great opportunity for wealth in a situation that is very conducive. I must mention here that I have discussed in a number of occasions with the governors, the need to seize this opportunity, let’s run with it from here.
“At this juncture, I will appeal to remove everything of partisan politics from it, assume the chairmanship of the committee as the president and appointed Professor Attahiru Jega as my deputy or co-chair and I asked Dr Ganduje, we say thank you, just remove yourself so that anything of politics in this environment will be erased completely.
“This is not about politics, this is about opportunity, this is about our nation. So, while I may be absent, Jega will preside and contribute to promote.
“We’ve solved the problem, we have identified the models for livestock management, it is done in other countries, in other climes successfully promoted. It created great economy and empowerment for ordinary people.