News in brief:
– The Federal Government reaffirmed its ban on non-certified imported animals to prevent disease outbreaks and protect the livestock industry.
– Authorities plan to eliminate illegal roadblocks, regulate cross-border cattle movement, and strengthen quarantine measures.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its ban on non-certified imported animals, emphasising the need to safeguard public health and Nigeria’s livestock industry.
Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha repeated this commitment on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS).
“Any animal that is not certified as healthy before entering Nigeria will be detained,” Maiha declared. He stressed the importance of enforcing strict regulations to prevent the spread of animal diseases and ensure that only healthy livestock enters the country.
Illegal roadblocks behind rising meat prices
Addressing concerns over the rising cost of meat in Nigeria, the minister attributed the problem to multiple illegal checkpoints along major livestock transportation routes.
According to him, a government survey identified over 700 checkpoints where truck drivers transporting livestock are extorted, leading to higher meat prices.
“From Mubi (Adamawa State) to Jigawa, Calabar, Bayelsa, and Lagos, excessive levies imposed on truck drivers directly impact the cost of meat and other livestock products,” he said.
To tackle this, he revealed that the government is working on data collection and policy interventions to eliminate these illegal roadblocks and reduce costs.
Concerns over donkey population and unchecked cattle imports
Maiha also raised concerns about the declining donkey population, warning that no donkey skin should be exported without legal authorisation.
Additionally, he disclosed that 60% of cattle entering Nigeria originate from neighbouring countries, often crossing the borders unchecked, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
“I have personally seen over 10,000 animals crossing into Nigeria in a single week. The first cases of anthrax in Nigeria originated from outside the country due to the lack of border control. This situation must be addressed,” he stated.
To curb this, the government plans to establish control posts at strategic border points to regulate livestock movement. These posts will be manned by veterinary doctors, security agencies, and NAQS officials.
NAQS pledges stronger regulatory oversight
Speaking at the meeting, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr Vincent Isegbe, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to preventing animal diseases and regulating agricultural imports.
He highlighted ongoing international agreements with countries like Mexico and China to enhance oversight and prevent harmful imports.
“Our mandate is to prevent the spread of animal diseases and ensure compliance with agricultural safety standards. We have been intercepting illegal agricultural imports and sensitizing farmers on safe livestock feed and crop preservation,” Isegbe stated.
He called for stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to protect Nigeria’s agricultural sector from unsafe imports.
