Chidimma Uchegbu – Abuja
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and the nation’s livestock industry by enforcing strict regulations on animal imports.
“Any animal that is not certified as healthy before entering Nigeria will be detained,” the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, stated.
The Minister made this declaration while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) in Abuja on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
According to the statement issued to newsmen by the Director, information and Public Relations, Ben. Ben Goong stated that the Minister expressed concerns over the rapid decline in the donkey population, warning that no donkey skin should be exported without legal authorisation.
He further disclosed that 60 per cent of the cattle entering Nigeria come from neighbouring countries and often cross the borders unchecked.
To tackle this problem, the Federal Government plans to establish control posts at strategic border points to regulate the movement of livestock.
“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, and we are committed to taking inventory, building, and manning control posts to prevent further risks.
“Once these control posts are established, your (NAQS) presence there will be essential. All enforcement stakeholders, including veterinary doctors, security agents, and NAQS officials, will be deployed to strengthen border monitoring,” he said.
Addressing the rising cost of meat in Nigeria, Maiha attributed the issue to illegal fees imposed on truck drivers transporting livestock.
He revealed that a government survey identified over 700 checkpoints along major livestock transportation routes, where drivers are subjected to extortion.
“From Mubi (Adamawa State) to Jigawa, Calabar, Bayelsa, and Lagos, the excessive levies imposed on truck drivers directly impact the price of meat and other livestock products.
“We are working on data collection and policy interventions to eliminate these illegal roadblocks and reduce the cost of meat,” the Minister stated.
In his remarks, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr. Vincent Isegbe, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to preventing animal diseases and regulating agricultural imports.
Dr. Isegbe stated that the NAQS has operational offices in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria and is actively engaging in international agreements with countries such as 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 agricultural imports and conducting sensitization programs for farmers to discourage the use of harmful chemicals in livestock feed and crop preservation,” Dr. Isegbe explained.
He called for stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock Development to enhance regulatory measures and ensure Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains protected from harmful imports.
