Reps approves funding for revitalization of swine research Institute

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives on Thursday mandated the Committees on Livestock and Appropriations to liaise with the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria and the Ministry of Livestock to provide funds in the 2025 Budget estimates for the revitalization of the Swine Research Institute Okpuje-Nsukka.
The House mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.
The House resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Revitalization of the Swine Research Institute, Okpuje-Nsukka” sponsored by Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta.
The House noted that the Swine Research Institute Okpuje-Nsukka was established in the early 1980s during the Shehu Shagari Administration to help drive livestock revolution in Nigeria.
The House said it was aware that Pig Farming is a lucrative industry characterized by high reproductive rates, efficient feed conversion, and a global demand for pork products.
It said it was also aware that some of the largest pork producers in the world include 10 countries that dominate global production by utilizing traditional practices with modern technologies, using innovative new breeding techniques that improves quality of pork that meets both domestic and international standards.
The House informed that from 2022 Exports records, the top exporters of pork were Spain ($5.92 Billion), United States ($5.38 Billion), Germany ($3.8 Billion), Canada ($2.97 Billion), and Denmark ($2.89 Billion).
The House also informed that Nigeria and Ghana consume over $3 billion worth of pork products annually and 80% are imported.
The House was concerned that this 80% represents a huge demand gap in local production thereby increasing global demand for processed pork products like sausages, hot dogs, ham and bacon.