President Tinubu Appoints Professor Attahiru Jega as Special Adviser for Livestock Reforms

On March 7, 2025, President Bola Tinubu made a significant appointment by naming former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as the Special Adviser and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative. The move is expected to fast-track essential reforms in the livestock sector, which are central to Nigeria’s economic growth and the resolution of enduring challenges in the industry.

Professor Jega, 68, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Before his appointment, he co-chaired the Presidential Livestock Reform Committee alongside President Tinubu. This committee, which laid the groundwork for reforms in the livestock sector, had previously recommended the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Livestock. This recommendation was swiftly implemented by the administration, and Jega’s new appointment is viewed as a natural progression of those efforts.

In his new capacity, Jega will be tasked with coordinating the reforms in the livestock sector, which are aimed at addressing the numerous issues facing the industry. These include the modernization of livestock production systems, improved animal husbandry, and fostering greater market access for livestock products. “The President’s vision for the sector is clear—transform the livestock industry into a driver of economic growth,” Jega said in a statement following the announcement.

A respected figure in Nigerian academia and governance, Professor Jega has had a long and distinguished career. He served as the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University in Kano and currently holds several significant positions, including membership in the International Elections Advisory Council and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kano.

Jega’s appointment to this new role builds on his reputation as a capable leader. He is widely credited with overseeing Nigeria’s 2015 general elections as INEC Chairman, which were regarded as a milestone in the country’s democratic journey. His leadership in conducting a free and fair election in 2015 remains one of his most notable achievements. Now, his focus will shift to reforms that will ensure the sustainability of the country’s livestock industry.

The Presidential Livestock Reform Initiative, which Jega is now tasked with steering, is part of President Tinubu’s broader vision for Nigeria’s economic diversification. Agriculture, and specifically the livestock sector, is expected to play a crucial role in this vision. By addressing inefficiencies and supporting sustainable practices, the reforms aim to increase productivity, improve livelihoods for farmers and herders, and contribute to food security.

The formal announcement of Jega’s appointment came from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement issued on March 7, 2025. “Professor Jega’s wealth of experience in public administration and governance makes him the ideal candidate to lead this initiative,” Onanuga stated. “His role will be pivotal in ensuring the success of the reforms and in delivering tangible results for Nigeria’s livestock sector.”