Agriculture

Re-Elected AfDB President To Be Sworn-In On Tuesday

Published

5 years ago

August 31, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The re-elected President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, will be sworn-in on Tuesday, September 1, for another five-year term.

The ceremony, according to the AfDB in a statement on Monday will be held virtually at 9am.

Dr Adesina, Nigeria’s former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, was re-elected last week after getting a hundred percent votes of all regional and non-regional members of the Bank.

The election took place on the final day of the 2020 Annual Meetings of the multilateral bank held virtually, and the Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Bank, Mrs. Niale Kaba, Minister of National Planning of Côte d’Ivoire announced his victory, making him the first Nigerian to be elected and re-elected to serve as the bank’s President.

Dr Adesina’s first term in office focused on new agenda for the Bank Group based on five development priorities known as the High 5s: Light up and Power Africa; Feed Africa; Industrialize Africa; Integrate Africa; and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa

During his initial 5-year term, the bank was able to impact the lives of 335 million Africans, including 18 million people with access to electricity; 141 million people benefiting from improved agricultural technologies for food security; 15 million people benefiting from access to finance from private investments; 101 million people provided with access to improved transport; and 60 million people gaining access to water and sanitation.

In his speech after the announcement, Dr Adesina said, “I am deeply grateful for the collective trust, strong confidence and support of our shareholders for electing me for a second term as President. It is yet another call for selfless service to Africa and the African Development Bank, to which I will passionately devote myself.”

Dr Adesina was able to weather the storm of favoritism, corruption, and other allegations after an independent Review Panel cleared him of any ethical wrongdoings.

The Panel, chaired by a former President of the Republic of Ireland, Mary Robinson, was set up by the Bureau of Governors of the Bank, following a complaint by the United States, to review the process by which two previous organs of the Bank – the Ethics Committee of the Board, and the Bureau of the Board of Governors – had previously exonerated Adesina.

In January this year, Dr Adesina was accused of ethical misconduct by a group of whistle-blowers on 16 allegations, which was reviewed by the Bank’s Ethics Committee of the Board of Directors in March and described the allegations as frivolous and without merit

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Agriculture

House Moves to Overhaul Livestock Sector, Investigate ₦498.7m Unpaid Poultry Farmers’ Compensation — Wale Raji

Published

2 weeks ago

November 13, 2025

The Gleamer

By Cyril Ogar

The House of Representatives Committee on Livestock Development has announced plans to overhaul Nigeria’s livestock sector and investigate the Federal Government’s failure to pay ₦498.7 million in compensation to 307 verified poultry farmers affected by bird flu outbreaks between 2021 and 2023..

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Wale Raji, disclosed this on Thursday during a public hearing on six livestock-related bills held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. The proposed bills seek to establish livestock colleges and research institutes across the country to promote animal production, veterinary education, and professional training.

Raji explained that the public hearing was convened to enable stakeholders to contribute ideas aimed at strengthening livestock development and resolving the challenges faced by farmers, particularly those impacted by avian influenza.

“This engagement provides stakeholders a platform to make meaningful input that will enhance productivity, create jobs, and promote sustainable livestock growth,” Raji stated.“However, we are deeply concerned about the delay in compensating affected poultry farmers, and we are determined to ensure transparency and accountability in the entire process.”

₦498.7 Million Still Outstanding

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Adeniyi Adedoyin, confirmed that ₦498.7 million remains unpaid to 307 poultry farmers whose flocks were destroyed during bird flu outbreaks between 2021 and 2023.

According to him, ₦3.16 billion had earlier been disbursed to 1,055 farmers affected by previous outbreaks, but the latest phase of payments was stalled due to funding shortfalls. He added that a recent outbreak in Wukari, Taraba State, led to the culling of over 2,000 birds, with compensation yet to be processed.

Adedoyin attributed the delay to inadequate budgetary provisions and the absence of an Animal Diseases Contingency or Emergency Fund (ADEF), explaining that no dedicated fund for animal disease response has existed since 2021.
“Most affected farmers also lack insurance coverage as required by law, further complicating the compensation process,” he said.

He noted that in 2022, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved a revised compensation formula—50% from the Federal Government, 25% from the state, and 25% from farmers—restricting eligibility to smallholders with flocks under 3,000 birds.

Lawmakers Push Livestock Reform Agenda
Hon. Raji emphasized that the committee’s probe and reform efforts are in line with the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), which seeks to modernize animal husbandry, enhance veterinary services, and improve productivity across the value chain.

“Our goal is to build a vibrant and sustainable livestock sector that contributes meaningfully to food security, employment generation, and economic diversification,” he said.“We will also work to ensure that farmers receive their compensation and that government creates an emergency response fund to prevent future delays.”

He assured that the committee will pursue full implementation of the hearing’s recommendations to strengthen policy, research, and training in the livestock industry.

Push for New Livestock Institutions
Among the bills under consideration is one sponsored by Hon. Bello Ka’oje (Kebbi State) seeking to establish the Federal College of Animal Husbandry, Ka’oje. The proposed college will serve as a centre for research, training, and innovation in livestock production.

Ka’oje said the institution would improve animal breeding, promote best practices in livestock care, and drive productivity and employment.
“This initiative aims to advance livestock development through professional training and innovation,” he stated.“It will help strengthen food security, create jobs, and raise the standard of animal production in Nigeria.”

He noted that Nigeria continues to trail behind countries such as Egypt, Kenya, and Ethiopia, ranking 94th in global milk production and 33rd in meat production as of 2022, despite its vast agricultural resources.

Commitment to Accountability and Growth

Hon. Wale Raji reaffirmed the House’s commitment to transparency and effective oversight in livestock management.

“We will ensure that every stakeholder in the livestock value chain benefits from government policies and programmes,” he said.“Our ultimate goal is to reposition the livestock industry as a key driver of national growth, rural development, and economic stability.”

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