House of Representatives on Thursday expressed its determination to reform the livestock sector and investigate the prolonged delay in compensating poultry farmers affected by bird flu outbreaks across the country.
This development arise Thursday when Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Chinyere Akujobi confirmed that the Federal has yet to pay compensation amounting to ₦498.7 million to 307 verified poultry farmers who suffered losses from avian influenza outbreaks between 2021 and 2023.
Akujobi confirmed the development on Thursday during a public hearing on six livestock-related bills held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Hon. Wale Raji, made this disclosure on Thursday during the public hearing
Raji said the intervention aligns with the National Livestock Transformation Plan and forms part of the legislature’s broader effort to strengthen veterinary services, promote animal husbandry, and enhance agricultural productivity.
“This hearing provides an opportunity for stakeholders to make valuable inputs that will support livestock growth, improve productivity, and generate employment.. We are also looking into the reasons behind the non-payment of compensation to affected farmers to ensure transparency and justice,” the lawmaker said, just as he also assured that the committee would work diligently to ensure that recommendations from the hearing are implemented to advance livestock education, research, and policy execution.
One of the bills under consideration, sponsored by Bello Ka’oje, seeks to establish the Federal College of Animal Husbandry, envisioned as a specialised institution for training, research, and innovation in animal production.
According to Ka’oje, the proposed college would promote excellence in breeding, animal care, and livestock management, thereby improving productivity, creating jobs, and strengthening national food security.
The lawmaker urged his colleagues and industry stakeholders to support the bill, emphasising that livestock development remains key to Nigeria’s economic diversification and rural development goals.
