The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to release ₦498.7 million in compensation owed to 307 poultry farmers who lost flocks to avian influenza (bird flu) outbreaks between 2021 and 2023.

The call came during a public hearing by the House Committee on Livestock Development, where officials from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development confirmed the figures. They noted that earlier outbreaks had led to ₦3.16 billion in compensation to 1,055 farmers, but the latest tranche remains unpaid due to funding constraints and the absence of a dedicated Animal Diseases Contingency or Emergency Fund.

The committee emphasized that delayed payments threaten farmers’ livelihoods and could discourage investment in Nigeria’s poultry sector. According to the revised compensation framework approved in 2022, the federal government covers 50% of compensation costs, state governments 25%, and farmers 25%. Smallholder farmers with flocks of 3,000 birds or fewer are automatically eligible, while commercial farms must have insurance coverage.

A recent outbreak in Wukari, Taraba State, led to the depopulation of 2,050 birds, with compensation still under review. Lawmakers urged the government to expedite payments and establish a sustainable emergency fund to protect farmers against future disease outbreaks. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.