LunagisthubFG Owes Poultry Farmers ₦498.7m in Compensation
The Federal Government has failed to pay ₦498.7 million in compensation to 307 poultry farmers who suffered losses due to avian influenza outbreaks between 2021 and 2023. This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, during a public hearing on livestock-related bills at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja
The Ministry had previously paid ₦3.16 billion to 1,055 farmers affected by earlier outbreaks. However, the latest batch of farmers remains unpaid due to funding shortfalls. A recent outbreak in Wukari, Taraba State, resulted in the culling of 2,050 birds, with compensation yet to be disbursed.
The Ministry has been making compensation payments since 2006, with a total of ₦630.9 million, ₦674.2 million, ₦1.81 billion, and ₦47 million disbursed in different phases up to 2019. The unpaid compensation is a significant burden on the affected farmers, and the Federal Government’s prompt attention is required to resolve this issue.
The poultry farmers are urging the Federal Government to settle the outstanding compensation to help them recover from the losses incurred due to the avian influenza outbreaks. The government must take immediate action to address this issue and provide the necessary support to the affected farmers.
Lunagisthub
