The federal government has announced plans to tighten regulations on animal imports by setting up control posts at key border points to monitor livestock movement.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, made this known on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) in Abuja.
Maiha emphasized that the initiative aims to protect public health and the nation’s livestock industry.
He stated that any animal lacking proper health certification before entering Nigeria would be detained.
He further expressed concerns over the rapid decline in the donkey population, warning that no donkey skin should be exported without legal authorisation.
The Minister noted that 60 per cent of the cattle entering Nigeria come from neighbouring countries and often cross the borders unchecked.
“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.
