News in Brief:
– A Nigerian entrepreneur’s poultry farm in Abuja was allegedly demolished by the FCDA, resulting in the death of over 5,000 birds and leaving 50 workers jobless.
– Despite following legal procedures, including obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy, Bankole’s ₦150 million farm was destroyed without prior notice.
In a devastating event, Nigerian entrepreneur Akomolafe Henrich Bankole, an alumni of Forbes Africa 30 under 30 list, revealed on X (Twitter) that his poultry farm in Abuja was reportedly destroyed by officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), leaving over 5,000 birds dead and 50 workers jobless.
According to Bankole’s post, the authority demolished his properties without any prior notice or warning. His farm, located in Lokogoma, Abuja, was worth ₦150 million (about $195,000).
Bankole is a former House of Representatives candidate from Ekiti and he expressed his anguish over the incident on social media, questioning why he couldn’t farm on his private property.
“I followed every legal process and had all the necessary documents, including the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), yet my investment was destroyed overnight,” Bankole wrote.
The demolition not only ruined the farm but also affected the lives of over 50 workers who have now lost their jobs. Many of these workers support families, which amplifies the suffering caused by the FCDA’s actions. Bankole stated that this decision will have far-reaching consequences for those workers and their dependents.
Legal and economic concerns for Nigerian farmers
Farmers worldwide can relate to the economic uncertainty that follows such drastic actions. Investments in agriculture, especially poultry farming, require significant time, effort, and financial commitment. Sudden losses like this can cause long-term financial instability and damage to the agricultural industry.
Bankole’s story highlights the government’s role in supporting or hindering agricultural investment. The demolition seems to be a part of a larger campaign by the FCDA to clear illegal structures in Abuja, with over 500 structures already marked for demolition. Despite this, many are questioning whether the government should be more supportive of legal agricultural investments, especially given the call for farmers to contribute to Nigeria’s food security.
Bankole has called on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Nigeria’s First Lady, who encouraged Nigerians to embrace farming, to address the situation. He fears that this incident will send a negative message to others considering farming or investing in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
