FG, FAO Launch New Initiative to Combat Avian Influenza in Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and strengthening Nigeria’s animal health systems as stakeholders gathered for the Inception Workshop of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) Project on Strengthening HPAI Preparedness, Detection and Response in Nigeria.

The two-day workshop brings together experts from government institutions, academia, professional associations and development partners to develop practical measures for preventing, detecting and responding effectively to HPAI outbreaks across Nigeria.

Declaring the workshop open in Karu, Nasarawa State, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the poultry industry as a critical component of Nigeria’s livestock sector, contributing significantly to food security, employment generation and economic growth.

“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.

Mukhtar noted that the resurgence of the disease since 2021 has continued to threaten livelihoods, food security and international trade, affecting smallholder, medium-scale and commercial poultry farmers alike.

“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 USD 350,000, describing the intervention as timely and aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening disease prevention and control within the livestock sector. 

He added that the project would improve surveillance, laboratory diagnostic capacity, risk communication and stakeholder coordination under the One Health framework.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, who was represented by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, appreciated FAO for its support and observed that despite progress in disease control, Nigeria has continued to record HPAI outbreaks annually since 2021.

“The epidemiology of the disease has evolved, with outbreaks now affecting multiple avian species. Layer farms remain the most severely impacted segment, resulting in substantial economic losses and disruptions across poultry value chains,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the FAO, Dr. Otto Muhinda reaffirmed the Organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen animal health systems and combat 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.

In goodwill messages, Dr. Patience Omokri, representing the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), stressed the strategic link between public health and national security, noting that effective biosecurity measures, cross-border collaboration and public awareness are critical to preventing and managing disease outbreaks.

Representing the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Prof. Matthew Adamu reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to strengthening animal health systems and supporting veterinary professionals in advancing livestock development and disease control efforts across the country.

The President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr. Moses Arokoyo, pledged the Association’s continued support through advocacy, awareness creation and professional engagement, describing the project as a significant step towards securing the future of Nigeria’s poultry industry.

Also speaking, Ahmed Dareey, representing the Chief Epidemiologist of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation and resource-sharing in strengthening health security and achieving sustainable disease prevention and control outcomes under the One Health approach.

Similarly, Rita Azuka, representing the Federal Ministry of Environment, highlighted the environmental dimensions of HPAI control, stressing the need for improved waste management, environmental surveillance and ecosystem protection as part of a coordinated response to disease outbreaks.

In 2026 alone, Nigeria has recorded confirmed outbreaks of HPAI in Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Plateau and Bauchi States, underscoring the persistent threat the disease poses to the country's poultry industry, food security and livelihoods. 

In response, the FAO-supported intervention will focus on seven pilot states across the country, where efforts will be intensified to strengthen disease surveillance, improve laboratory diagnostic capacity, enhance biosecurity measures, promote risk communication and bolster rapid response mechanisms. 

The pilot programme is expected to generate lessons and best practices that can be scaled up nationwide to strengthen Nigeria's preparedness and resilience against future HPAI outbreaks.

Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations 
4th June, 2026