Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as Presidential Adviser and Coordinator of Presidential Livestock Reforms. The announcement was made on Friday by the President’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, via his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Breaking: President Bola Tinubu appoints Professor Attahiru Jega as Presidential Adviser and Coordinator of Presidential Livestock Reforms,” Onanuga wrote.
A Strategic Appointment
Prof. Jega, who served as INEC chairman from 2010 to 2015, is widely respected for his role in overseeing the 2015 general elections, which were hailed as one of Nigeria’s most credible polls. His new role will focus on coordinating efforts to address the longstanding farmers-herders crisis through the newly established Ministry of Livestock Development.
Ministry of Livestock Development
President Tinubu created the Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024 to provide sector-focused solutions to the persistent conflicts between farmers and nomadic herders. The ministry’s establishment followed recommendations by the National Livestock Reforms Committee, which emphasized the need for a dedicated approach to mitigate violence and promote sustainable coexistence.
The ministry is expected to implement reforms aimed at resolving the decades-long crisis, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced communities across the country. Key objectives include improving livestock management practices, fostering dialogue between stakeholders, and creating economic opportunities for both farmers and herders.
Jega’s Expertise and Expectations
Prof. Jega’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his administrative expertise and credibility in driving the reforms. His experience in managing complex national issues, particularly during his tenure at INEC, positions him as a capable leader to tackle the multifaceted challenges in the livestock sector.
A Step Toward Peace and Development
The appointment underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing security and economic challenges. By appointing a figure of Jega’s caliber, the government aims to restore confidence in its ability to deliver lasting solutions to the farmers-herders crisis.
As Prof. Jega assumes his new role, stakeholders across the agricultural and security sectors will be closely watching the implementation of the reforms, hoping for a breakthrough in achieving peace and stability in rural communities.
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