The Federal Government has yet to pay compensation totalling N498.7m to 307 verified poultry farmers who suffered losses during avian influenza outbreaks between 2021 and 2023, sparking renewed concern among stakeholders in the livestock industry.

The disclosure was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Chinyere Akujobi, at a public hearing on livestock-related bills held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. 

She was represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Adeniyi Adedoyin, who said the unpaid claims were part of longstanding compensation obligations.

According to Adedoyin, the Federal Government still owes farmers N498.7m for verified losses recorded in recent outbreaks. He explained that although the Government had previously disbursed N3.16bn to 1,055 farmers affected in earlier phases, payments for the most recent cases had stalled due to limited funding.

He added that a fresh outbreak in Wukari, Taraba State, led to the culling of 2,050 birds, but affected farmers were yet to receive compensation. Providing further background, he noted that compensation payments for avian influenza have been ongoing since 2006, with separate phases involving disbursements of N630.9m, N674.2m, N1.81bn, and N47m up to 2019.

Adedoyin attributed the current delays to poor budgetary provisions and the absence of a dedicated emergency fund for animal disease response. He also highlighted that most farmers lack the required insurance coverage under existing regulations.

He recalled that the Federal Executive Council, in 2022, approved a revised compensation formula under which the Federal Government covers 50 per cent, states provide 25 per cent, and farmers contribute 25 per cent. 

Only smallholders with fewer than 3,000 birds qualify for payment, while larger commercial farms are expected to maintain insurance.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has vowed to address systemic gaps in the livestock sector, including the persistent delays in farmer compensation. 

Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Wale Raji, said the legislature was determined to ensure transparency and justice for affected farmers.

Raji noted that the intervention aligns with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, and emphasised that strengthening veterinary services and research capacity remain critical to improving national food security and agricultural productivity.

He added that the ongoing public hearing offers stakeholders a platform to provide input that will guide reforms and enhance the resilience of the livestock sector.

Among the six bills under consideration is a proposal sponsored by Bello Ka’oje to establish the Federal College of Animal Husbandry. 

Source: Punch News