By Abdullahi Lukman
About 60 percent of cattle entering Nigeria from neighboring countries are often unchecked to certify them healthy, according to the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
He also disclosed that a government survey identified over 700 checkpoints where vehicles transporting livestock into the country are subjected to extortion by corrupt officials, which leads to meat price hike within the country.
Speaking at a meeting with Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) in Abuja, the minister said the situation heightened the risk of livestock diseases entering the country.
Consequently, he said, henceforth, any animal entering Nigeria without proper health certification will be detained, to preventing diseases like anthrax, which he noted originated from uncontrolled border crossings.
Maiha announced plans by government to establish control posts at key border points, staffed with veterinary doctors, security agents, and NAQS officials, to regulate livestock movement.
He also said the government is addressing the rising cost of meat, attributing it to illegal fees imposed on truck drivers transporting livestock.
Speaking about the extortion, he disclosed that government is gathering data and developing policies to eliminate these illegal roadblocks and reduce meat prices.
The Comptroller-Genetal of NAQS, Dr. Vincent Isegbe expressed the need for stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock Development to improve regulatory measures and safeguard Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
He called on government to tighten animal import regulations, combat livestock diseases, and address illegal extortion practices that inflate meat prices.
Dr. Isegbe expressed NAQS’s dedication to preventing the spread of animal diseases and enforcing agricultural safety standards.
He explained the agency’s operations across all six geopolitical zones and its active engagement in international agreements with countries like Mexico and China to enhance regulatory oversight.