The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has extended support to pig farmers affected by the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Plateau State, sympathising with them over their losses and reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting containment efforts through the provision of disinfectants, biosecurity materials and other essential consumables.
The delegation carried out Surveillance on several farms, including Enechangs Piggery Farm in Agingi, Bassa Local Government Area; Tabitha Jahota Shukrit Farm in Jos South; Susan Sunday Alison Farm in Bassa Local Government Area; and Da Mancha Integrated Farms Limited in Jos North, which has remained free of ASF.
The team also paid visited the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) and the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH).
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Livestock Development, the Chief Veterinary Officer and National Programme Coordinator for African Swine Fever, Dr. Yakubu Yanet Ago, said the visit aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at transforming the livestock sector and strengthening its value chain.
According to Dr. Ago, the Surveillance visit formed part of a series of field assessments and stakeholder engagements designed to evaluate the extent of the outbreak, strengthen collaboration on disease surveillance, investigation and control, and coordinate an effective response.
He explained that , the visits to the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the National Veterinary Research Institute were intended to reinforce partnerships with institutions that play critical roles in disease diagnosis, veterinary research, specialised animal health services and technical support for livestock disease management.
Following the field assessment, Dr. Ago directed the Federal Response Team to intensify support for Plateau State’s containment efforts through the distribution of disinfectants, biosecurity materials and other essential supplies to mitigate the impact of the outbreak.
He added that, the response team also engaged affected pig farmers to better understand the challenges confronting them while collecting additional samples for laboratory analysis to support ongoing surveillance and disease control efforts.
Responding to requests made by farmers for compensation, Dr. Ago noted that, compensation schemes for African Swine Fever are largely unavailable across Africa, adding that Côte d’Ivoire remains one of the few countries currently providing compensation to affected pig farmers.
He stressed that , African Swine Fever remains one of Nigeria’s priority transboundary animal diseases and disclosed that the Federal Government makes annual budgetary provisions for the prevention and control of seven major transboundary animal diseases.
Representing the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Deputy Director, Professor Chidiebere Uchendu, commended the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development for its prompt intervention and sustained support.
He praised the Ministry’s proactive approach to disease surveillance, farmer sensitisation and biosecurity promotion, while reaffirming the institution’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry on disease surveillance, veterinary extension services and public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing the spread of transboundary animal diseases.
Speaking on behalf of the National Veterinary Research Institute, (NVRI), Director of Livestock Development Services, Dr Joshua Kamani also applauded the swift response of both the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Plateau State Government, assuring that the Federal and State government will continue to give adequate support to combat African Swine Fever.
The affected pig farmers expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its intervention and appealed for additional support through farmer training on biosecurity, provision of starter packs and subsidised disinfectants to strengthen disease prevention and improve farm resilience.
Henrietta Okokon
Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations
1/8/2026
