By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives has intensified efforts to reposition Nigeria’s livestock industry and address the long standing non-payment of compensation to farmers affected by avian influenza outbreaks.
Chairman of the House Committee on Livestock Development, Hon. Wale Raji, said this on Thursday at a public hearing on six livestock related bills held at the National Assembly, Abuja.
The bills seek to establish new livestock colleges and research institutes across the country to enhance animal production, research, and capacity building.
Raji said the initiative is part of a broader legislative agenda to expand training and research in animal husbandry and veterinary sciences, in line with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
“This public hearing provides a platform for stakeholders to make inputs that will promote livestock development, enhance productivity, and create jobs,” Raji said. “We are also investigating the non-payment of compensation to farmers affected by the bird flu outbreak to ensure fairness and accountability.”
The lawmaker assured that the Committee will ensure the hearing produces actionable outcomes that strengthen livestock research, education, and policy implementation nationwide.
