President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially appointed Professor Attahiru Jega, the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as his special adviser and coordinator for presidential livestock reforms. This strategic appointment marks a significant step in Tinubu’s broader efforts to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural and livestock sectors, ensuring sustainable development and economic growth.
The announcement was made on Friday, March 7, 2025, by the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Taking to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Onanuga confirmed Jega’s new role and emphasized its importance in driving the administration’s ambitious livestock transformation agenda.
This move is part of President Tinubu’s commitment to agricultural reform under his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda, which aims to transition Nigeria’s livestock industry from a predominantly subsistence-based model to a structured, commercially viable, and investment-attractive sector.
In line with this vision, the president recently established the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, a dedicated ministry tasked with implementing key policies to enhance animal farming practices, improve productivity, and reduce conflicts between farmers and herders. The ministry, now fully operational with an appointed minister, was one of the major recommendations proposed by the presidential livestock committee, in which Jega played a critical role.
Professor Attahiru Jega, a highly respected academic and administrator, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. In addition to serving as INEC chairman from 2010 to 2015—where he oversaw landmark electoral reforms—Jega is a former vice chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, and a well-regarded figure in governance and public policy. Currently, he is the pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council at Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education in Kano State, as well as a member of the International Elections Advisory Council.
At 68, Jega’s deep expertise in governance, policy implementation, and institutional development is expected to significantly contribute to the success of the newly established livestock ministry. His role will be pivotal in ensuring the effective execution of strategic initiatives aimed at modernizing livestock farming, improving food security, and fostering economic diversification.
According to the presidency, Jega’s appointment will help drive impactful reforms that align with the government’s broader economic agenda. Onanuga emphasized that his role as a special adviser to President Tinubu would reinforce the work of the presidential livestock committee and ensure continuity in the ongoing reforms. “His appointment as special adviser to President Tinubu will reinforce the gains of the presidential committee and ensure the continued momentum of the reforms already in motion,” the presidency stated in part.
With this appointment, the Tinubu administration aims to establish a long-term framework for sustainable livestock management, attract private sector investment, and address recurring challenges within the sector, including conflicts over grazing land, outdated farming methods, and limited access to modern technology.
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