Controversy Trails Disbursement of N643m Bird Flu Compensation Fund

There were indications on Wednesday that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) compromised in the allocation and disbursement of N643 million earmarked to compensate poultry farmers affected by the avian influenza virus (bird flu).


Also, the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has differed with the ministry on the total amount of loss suffered by its members.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Sonny Echono had stated that the total compensation claims by poultry owners amounted to N1.119 billion, while PAN asserted that its members had lost over N10 billion in bird flu attacks.

Echono also claimed that N380 million had been paid to 138 farmers as compensation, while additional N263m had been verified by the technical consultants appointed by the World Bank for the payment of 103 farmers.

"The resurgence of Avian Influenza as of today has spread to 85 local government areas in 21 states and the FCT, affecting 491 farms and resulting in the depopulation of 1,597,191 birds, and requiring compensation claims of N1.119bn to the affected poultry farmers. N380 million has been paid to 138 farmers as compensation, while additional N263m has been verified by the technical consultants appointed by the World Bank for the payment of 103 farmers," he said.