By Barbara Nwaiwu
The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), has launched a $350,000 project aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness, detection and response to outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.
The initiative was unveiled on Thursday during a two day inception workshop of the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) Project on Strengthening HPAI Preparedness, Detection and Response in Nigeria held in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to eliminating HPAI and improving animal health systems across the country.
He described the poultry industry as a vital component of Nigeria’s livestock sector, contributing significantly to food security, employment and economic growth, but noted that it continues to face serious threats from transboundary animal diseases.
“The poultry industry remains a critical component of Nigeria’s livestock sector. However, it continues to face threats from transboundary animal diseases, particularly Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which has remained a recurring challenge since its first occurrence in Nigeria in 2006,” the minister said.
Maiha explained that the resurgence of the disease since 2021 has continued to threaten livelihoods, food security and international trade, affecting poultry farmers at different scales of production.
“We are concerned because of the destructive effect of avian influenza in Nigeria. It is threatening livelihoods, threatening food security and threatening international trade. We must work together to restore livelihoods, close gaps in poultry product supply and reconnect our poultry industry to international markets,” he stated.
The minister commended FAO for approving and funding the project with $350,000, describing the intervention as timely and in line with the federal government’s efforts to strengthen disease prevention and control in the livestock sector.
According to him, the project will enhance disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostic capacity, risk communication and stakeholder coordination under the One Health framework.
He noted that Nigeria has experienced recurring outbreaks of HPAI since 2021, affecting poultry farms across all geopolitical zones, including major poultry producing states such as Kano, Plateau and Ogun.
“These recurring outbreaks have caused substantial economic losses, disrupted the poultry value chain, led to loss of livelihoods, and heightened concerns about animal and public health,” he said.
Maiha added that effective prevention and control of the disease require strong surveillance systems, efficient laboratory networks, timely disease reporting, coordinated emergency response mechanisms, effective risk communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
“We have a long standing collaboration with FAO in advancing livestock development, improving animal health, and enhancing national capacity to prevent and respond to animal disease threats.” he said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, represented by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, said the workshop was convened to gather stakeholders’ input and develop solutions for tackling avian influenza.
She noted that despite efforts to control the disease, Nigeria has continued to record outbreaks annually since 2021.
“Since the resurgence of outbreaks in 2021, Nigeria has recorded cases every year without interruption.”
“Outbreaks have been reported in multiple avian species, including layers, broilers, local chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, and other domestic birds.”
“In this workshop, we will collectively examine the issue of HPAI and what we can do differently to address it,” she added.
Akujobi called on poultry farmers, veterinarians, animal health workers, industry associations and state veterinary services to support surveillance efforts through prompt reporting of suspected cases.
“Early reporting remains our most effective tool for rapid response, containment, and prevention of disease spread,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of FAO, Dr. Otto Muhinda reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in strengthening animal health systems and combating transboundary animal diseases.
“FAO is proud to partner with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and other stakeholders in building a more resilient poultry sector. Through this project, we aim to enhance Nigeria’s capacity for early detection, preparedness and rapid response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, thereby protecting livelihoods, food security and public health.”
“Over the next nine months, the project will train 240 animal health personnel, contributing to a stronger frontline workforce capable of preventing and responding to disease outbreaks. It will also support the development of predictive tools to improve preparedness and reduce future risks of HPAI in Nigeria,” he said.
Muhinda disclosed that the intervention would be implemented in seven pilot states where efforts would focus on strengthening surveillance systems, improving laboratory diagnostics, enhancing biosecurity measures, promoting risk communication and improving rapid response mechanisms.
According to stakeholders at the workshop, Nigeria recorded confirmed HPAI outbreaks in Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Plateau and Bauchi states in 2026, highlighting the continued threat the disease poses to the poultry industry, food security and livelihoods.
