The Federal Government has threatened to detain all non-certified imported animals. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, made this known at a meeting with officials of the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), yesterday, in Abuja. He said plans were underway to enforce strict regulations on animal imports to protect public health and the country’s livestock industry.

“Any animal that is not certified as healthy before entering Nigeria will be detained,” Maiha declared. He expressed concern over the declining donkey population in the country and declared that no donkey skin should be exported without legal authorisation.

The minister revealed that approximately 60 per cent of cattle entering Nigeria come from neighbouring countries, and often cross the borders, unchecked.

To address the challenges, he said the Federal Government plans to establish control posts at strategic border points to regulate livestock movement.

“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,” he said.

The minister emphasised the need for a coordinated effort involving NAQS, veterinary doctors, and security agents to enhance border monitoring. Maiha also addressed the rising cost of meat in Nigeria, linking it to illegal fees imposed on truck drivers transporting livestock. He revealed that over 700 checkpoints along major livestock transportation routes lead to extortion, significantly affecting meat prices.

“We are working on data collection and policy interventions to eliminate these illegal roadblocks and reduce the cost of meat,” he stated.

Comptroller-General of NAQS, Dr Vincent Isegbe, explained that the agency was committed to preventing animal diseases and regulating agricultural imports. He highlighted NAQS’ operational presence in all six geopolitical zones and ongoing international partnerships with countries like Mexico and China.

Isegbe called for stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock Development to enhance regulatory measures and protect Nigeria’s agricultural sector from harmful imports.