The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Livestock Development, on Thursday confirmed that it 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.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Chinyere Akujobi, confirmed the development on Thursday during a public hearing on six livestock-related bills held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Dr Akujobi, represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Adeniyi Adedoyin, said the bills under consideration seek to establish new livestock colleges and research institutes across the country to boost animal production, scientific innovation, and manpower development.
“The Federal Government owes ₦498.7 million in unpaid compensation to 307 verified poultry farmers affected by avian influenza between 2021 and 2023.
“A total of ₦3.16 billion had earlier been paid to 1,055 farmers affected by previous outbreaks, but this latest batch remains unpaid due to funding shortfalls.” Akojobi said, just as he also added that a recent outbreak in Wukari, Taraba State, led to the culling of 2,050 birds, with compensation yet to be disbursed.
Providing further details, Adedoyin said compensation payments have been ongoing since 2006, with ₦630.9 million, ₦674.2 million, ₦1.81 billion, and ₦47 million disbursed in different phases up to 2019.
However, he blamed current delays on inadequate budgetary provisions and the absence of an Animal Diseases Contingency or Emergency Fund.
“Since 2021, there has been no dedicated emergency fund for animal disease response, and most affected farmers lack insurance coverage as required by law,” he explained.
Adedoyin also recalled that the Federal Executive Council, in 2022, approved a revised compensation formula, under which the Federal Government shoulders 50 per cent of the cost, states contribute 25 per cent, and farmers cover the remaining 25 per cent.
Adedoyin disclosed that only smallholder farmers with flocks not exceeding 3,000 birds qualify under this arrangement, as larger commercial farms are expected to maintain insurance coverage.
