The House of Representatives is intensifying efforts to revitalise Nigeria’s livestock industry and resolve the long-standing issue of non-payment of compensation to farmers affected by avian influenza outbreaks.
Mr. Wale Raji, Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, disclosed this at a public hearing on six livestock-related bills held at the National Assembly in Abuja.
“This public hearing provides a platform for stakeholders to make inputs that will promote livestock development, enhance productivity, and create jobs. We are also investigating the non-payment of compensation to farmers affected by the bird flu outbreak to ensure fairness and accountability,” Raji said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, represented by Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, revealed that the government owes ₦498.7 million in compensation to 307 verified poultry farmers affected between 2021 and 2023. While ₦3.16 billion had been paid to 1,055 farmers in earlier outbreaks, recent payments remain delayed due to funding constraints. A new outbreak in Wukari, Taraba State, led to the depopulation of 2,050 birds, with compensation still under review.
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Dr. Adedoyin cited inadequate funding and the absence of an Animal Diseases Contingency or Emergency Fund (ADEF) as the main reasons for the delay. He explained that the revised 2022 compensation framework stipulates that the federal government covers 50% of costs, states 25%, and farmers 25%, with only smallholder farmers (flocks of 3,000 birds or fewer) eligible unless commercial farms have insurance coverage.
On one of the bills, sponsor Mr. Bello Ka’oje said the proposed Federal College of Animal Husbandry, Ka’oje, will serve as a specialised institution to drive innovation, research, and training in animal production.
“This bill seeks to enhance livestock development through improved breeding, training, and innovation. It will boost productivity, create jobs, and improve national food security,” Ka’oje said, noting that despite Nigeria’s vast potential, the country ranks 94th in milk production and 33rd in meat production globally.
He urged lawmakers and stakeholders to support the bill, emphasising that livestock development is critical for economic diversification and rural prosperity.
