Tinubu appoints ex-INEC boss Attahiru Jega as special adviser

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Attahiru Jega, the former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as his special adviser and coordinator for presidential livestock reforms.

The announcement was made on Friday, March 7, by the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, via a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

This appointment aligns with Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector under his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

President Tinubu recently established the livestock development ministry, aimed at shifting Nigeria’s animal farming industry from a subsistence model to a commercially viable sector.

The move is part of broader economic reforms designed to modernize agriculture and attract investment.

Jega, a former vice chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, played a key role in the presidential livestock committee, which worked alongside Tinubu to develop strategic recommendations for the sector.

One of the committee’s major proposals was the creation of the livestock ministry, which is now fully operational with a designated minister.

At 68, Jega brings vast experience to his new role. In addition to his tenure at INEC from 2010 to 2015, he is a member of the International Elections Advisory Council and currently serves as the pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council at Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education in Kano State.

His new appointment is expected to build on the foundation laid by the presidential livestock committee, ensuring sustained progress in the sector.

Onanuga noted that Jega’s expertise would help drive impactful reforms that enhance national development.

“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 said in part.

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