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FG Yet To Pay ₦498.7 Million To Poultry Farmers Affected By Bird Flu.
The Federal Government has yet to disburse ₦498.7 million in compensation to 307 verified poultry farmers who suffered losses during avian influenza outbreaks between 2021 and 2023, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, has revealed.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Dr. Akujobi, represented by the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, disclosed this during a public hearing on six livestock-related bills at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The proposed bills aim to establish livestock colleges and research institutes nationwide to enhance animal production, scientific research, and workforce development.
According to Dr. Adedoyin, while ₦3.16 billion had been paid to 1,055 farmers affected by previous outbreaks, the latest batch of compensation remains unpaid due to funding shortfalls. A recent outbreak in Wukari, Taraba State, led to the culling of 2,050 birds, for which compensation is still pending.
He noted that compensation payments have been ongoing since 2006, with various amounts disbursed in phases up to 2019. The current delays, he explained, are caused by inadequate budgetary provisions and the absence of a dedicated Animal Diseases Contingency or Emergency Fund. Most affected farmers also lack insurance coverage as required by law.
Dr. Adedoyin further highlighted that in 2022, the Federal Executive Council approved a revised compensation formula: the Federal Government covers 50 per cent, states contribute 25 per cent, and farmers are responsible for the remaining 25 per cent. Only smallholder farmers with flocks of up to 3,000 birds qualify, while larger commercial farms are expected to maintain insurance coverage.
The House of Representatives has expressed its commitment to reforming the livestock sector and investigating the prolonged delay in compensating farmers affected by avian influenza. Hon. Wale Raji, Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, said the initiative aligns with the National Livestock Transformation Plan and aims to strengthen veterinary services, improve animal husbandry, and boost agricultural productivity.
“This hearing allows stakeholders to provide insights that will support livestock growth, enhance productivity, and generate employment,” Raji stated. He also assured that the committee would ensure transparency in compensation disbursement and the implementation of recommendations from the hearing.
One of the bills under review, sponsored by Bello Ka’oje, proposes the establishment of the Federal College of Animal Husbandry as a specialized institution for training, research, and innovation in animal production. Ka’oje said the college would advance excellence in breeding, animal care, and livestock management, improve productivity, create jobs, and strengthen national food security. He called on lawmakers and industry stakeholders to support the bill, emphasizing the importance of livestock development for economic diversification and rural growth.
Bamidele Kehinde, Director of Dynamic Ambassadors for Social Orientation Initiatives and the City Transformation Project, has expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its efforts in securing the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, who was reportedly held in detention in the Republic of Benin for over two years under difficult conditions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Pastor Egbaji, a Nigerian cleric, was said to have endured harsh treatment during his detention, including prolonged confinement. His release followed a presidential pardon granted by the authorities in Benin Republic under President Patrice Talon.
Speaking on News Central TV, Dr. Kehinde praised the diplomatic efforts that led to the cleric’s freedom, describing the process as lengthy and challenging. He noted that significant progress was achieved after Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
He stated that although there was no personal connection or financial influence involved, the minister actively engaged Benin Republic authorities through diplomatic channels. According to him, her visit and negotiations played a key role in securing Pastor Egbaji’s release.
Dr. Kehinde also commended all individuals and institutions that contributed to the advocacy efforts, including Moses Eyo, Dickson Umu Unung, the Cross River State Government, CP Alobi Lawrence (rtd), Joseph Bisong Ayi, Blessing Harrison, Eze Sampson, and Rt. Hon. Legor Idagbo.
He said their combined efforts were instrumental in achieving the cleric’s freedom.
He added that while Egbaji’s release is a major relief, the cleric now faces the task of recovering and rebuilding his life after years of hardship. He called for continued support to help him reintegrate into society.
Dr. Kehinde also urged stronger government commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and enhancing diplomatic engagement across West Africa to prevent similar cases in the future.
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has provided an update on its ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The board stated that 1,120,491 applications were successfully completed and processed, allowing candidates to proceed to the computer-based test (CBT) stage.
It also disclosed that 432,935 applications were left incomplete, while 360,923 applicants were disqualified during screening and shortlisting for failing to meet the required criteria.
In total, the recruitment exercise recorded over 1.8 million applications across the country.
The exercise covers agencies under the board, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and the Nigeria Correctional Service.
CDCFIB also released a breakdown of CBT performance, showing that 221,996 candidates scored between 0–40, 229,155 scored between 41–60, 278,543 scored between 61–80, while 142,697 scored between 81–100.
The recruitment process is now expected to move to the next stage, which includes physical screening and document verification. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with details of their screening venues, dates, and required documents.
The board reiterated that the entire process is free of charge and advised applicants to rely only on official communication channels for updates, warning against misinformation and unauthorized messages circulating online.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that its Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted precise airstrikes in the Yuwe axis of the Sambisa Forest, resulting in the elimination of several terrorist elements on Monday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who noted that military operations in the North-East continue to maintain strong pressure on insurgent groups.
He explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence, supported by Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities, which identified active terrorist presence within fortified positions and underground hideouts.
According to him, NAF air platforms successfully engaged the targets using precision-guided munitions, destroying the structures, neutralising multiple terrorists, and dismantling key logistics facilities. This was later confirmed through battle damage assessments.
The statement added that sustained air operations have continued to weaken terrorist networks, disrupting their activities and forcing them into more defensive and unstable responses.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, also reiterated the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining continuous, intelligence-driven operations aimed at completely neutralising terrorist threats.
He further assured that the NAF remains focused on protecting its personnel, safeguarding national security, and ensuring the safety of citizens, while continuing precision operations in line with strict rules of engagement to minimise civilian impact.
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