House Pushes to Revive Livestock Sector, Resolve Unpaid Farmer Compensation

The House of Representatives has launched a fresh move to revitalise Nigeria’s livestock industry while addressing the long-delayed compensation owed to farmers hit by avian influenza outbreaks. The Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Wale Raji, revealed this during a public hearing on six livestock-related bills at the National Assembly in Abuja.

Source: dailytimesng

Raji said the hearing offers a chance for stakeholders to shape legislative reforms that can strengthen animal husbandry, veterinary research, and overall productivity under the National Livestock Transformation Plan. He added that the Committee is also probing why farmers affected by past bird flu outbreaks have not received their compensation.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development disclosed that the government still owes ₦498.7 million to 307 verified poultry farmers whose birds were lost between 2021 and 2023. Although ₦3.16 billion has been paid to over 1,000 farmers in previous outbreaks, the ministry said recent payments have stalled due to funding gaps and the absence of a dedicated Animal Diseases Emergency Fund.

A revised framework now requires the Federal Government to pay 50% of compensation, states 25%, and farmers 25%, with only smallholder farmers eligible unless larger farms have valid insurance. Officials warned that without proper funding and insurance compliance, outbreaks will continue to cripple livelihoods.

One of the bills under review seeks to establish the Federal College of Animal Husbandry in Ka’oje. Sponsor Bello Ka’oje said the institution would drive innovation and research needed to boost breeding efficiency, expand training opportunities, and strengthen national food security.

Ka’oje noted that Nigeria still lags behind regional peers in milk and meat production, despite its enormous potential. He urged lawmakers to support the bill, describing improved livestock development as essential for economic diversification and rural progress.