Federal Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness, detection and response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.
The initiative was unveiled during the Inception Workshop of the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) Project on Strengthening HPAI Preparedness, Detection and Response in Nigeria, held in Karu, Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the poultry industry as a vital contributor to food security, employment and economic growth, noting that recurring outbreaks of avian influenza continue to threaten the sector.
According to the Minister, the resurgence of the disease since 2021 has negatively affected livelihoods, food security and international trade, impacting poultry farmers across the country.
Maiha commended FAO for approving and funding the project with 350,000 dollars, stating that the intervention aligns with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen disease prevention and control within the livestock sector.
He said the project would enhance disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostic capacity, risk communication and stakeholder coordination under the One Health framework.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, represented by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, said Nigeria has continued to record HPAI outbreaks annually despite progress in disease control efforts.
She noted that layer farms remain the most affected, resulting in significant economic losses and disruptions across the poultry value chain.
FAO representative, Dr. Otto Muhinda, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen animal health systems and combat transboundary animal diseases.
Muhinda disclosed that the project would train 240 animal health personnel over the next nine months and support the development of predictive tools to improve disease preparedness and response.
Stakeholders from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and Federal Ministry of Environment stressed the need for stronger collaboration, biosecurity measures, public awareness and environmental surveillance to tackle the disease.
Nigeria recorded confirmed outbreaks of avian influenza in Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Plateau and Bauchi states in 2026, highlighting the persistent threat posed by the disease.
The FAO-supported project will be implemented in seven pilot states, focusing on improved surveillance, laboratory capacity, biosecurity, risk communication and rapid response mechanisms.
Officials expressed optimism that lessons from the pilot programme would strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against future bird flu outbreaks and support the long-term growth of the poultry industry.
