By ebosele@hotmail.com
The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) has commissioned Nigeria’s first Border Animal Holding Facility at the Mfum Border in Cross River State, in a major step towards strengthening livestock biosecurity and animal health in the country.
The facility, funded under the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, was inaugurated by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who described the project as a practical demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Representing the Comptroller-General of NAQS, Dr Vincent Isegbe, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Quarantine, Declan Ohiagu, said the facility would significantly enhance the agency’s capacity to inspect, quarantine, document and certify livestock entering the country.
He said the facility would also help prevent the introduction and spread of Transboundary Animal Diseases, thereby protecting Nigeria’s livestock population and strengthening public health.
Maiha disclosed that the Mfum facility is the first of 12 international border animal holding and quarantine centres planned for major livestock entry corridors across Nigeria.
The National Coordinator of the L-PRES Project, Dr Sanusi Abubakar, said the facility is equipped with animal holding pens, a solar-powered water supply system, spray race, cattle dip, cattle crush, office accommodation and training facilities.
A statement issued by SQ. R. Usman,
O/C Media, explained that the commissioning of the facility is expected to strengthen NAQS’ frontline role in protecting Nigeria’s animal health, promoting safer livestock trade and safeguarding national food security.
