The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and Nigeria’s livestock industry by enforcing stricter regulations on animal imports.
The minister of livestock development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated that any animal entering the country without proper health certification would be detained.
He made this declaration while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) in Abuja.
Maiha expressed concerns over the decline in the donkey population and warned that no donkey skin should be exported without legal authorisation.
He further revealed that about 60 per cent of cattle entering Nigeria come from neighbouring countries without proper checks.
To address this, the government plans to establish control posts at key border points to regulate livestock movement.
“I have personally seen over 10,000 animals cross into Nigeria in a single week. The first cases of anthrax in Nigeria originated from unchecked livestock movement across our borders. This situation must be addressed,” Maiha stated.
He emphasised that once these control posts are in place, NAQS officials, veterinary doctors, and security agents will be deployed to strengthen border monitoring.
On the rising cost of meat, the minister attributed the increase to illegal fees imposed on livestock transporters, noting that a government survey identified over 700 checkpoints along major transportation routes where truck drivers face extortion.
“From Mubi in Adamawa State to Jigawa, Calabar, Bayelsa, and Lagos, illegal levies imposed on truck drivers directly impact meat prices. We are working on data collection and policy interventions to eliminate these roadblocks and reduce costs,” he said.
At the meeting, the Comptroller General of NAQS, Dr. Vincent Isegbe, reiterated the agency’s role in preventing animal diseases and regulating agricultural imports.
He noted that NAQS has operational offices across the country and is strengthening international agreements with Mexico and China to enhance regulatory oversight.
“Our mandate is to prevent the spread of animal diseases and ensure compliance with agricultural safety standards. We have been intercepting illegal imports and sensitising farmers on safe agricultural practices,” Dr Isegbe stated.
He called for stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock Development to enhance regulatory measures and protect Nigeria’s agricultural sector from harmful imports.
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