Ogun Pig Farmers Seek Aid After N5bn Losses from Swine Fever

Pig farmers in the Ikangba/Agoro axis of Odogbolu Local Government Area, Ogun State, have reported losses exceeding N5bn due to outbreaks of African Swine Fever. The farmers, represented by the Ikangba/Agoro Pig Farmers’ Association, protested on Wednesday, urging both federal and state governments for compensation, soft loans, and other assistance to revive their businesses.

The outbreak has affected more than 2,000 farmers, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of pigs and the closure of over 99 percent of pig farms in the area. Bolu Owotomo, Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, confirmed that the outbreak has been reported to the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, and the state is awaiting feedback for necessary interventions.

He emphasized the importance of biosecurity measures and urged farmers to report suspected cases to veterinary authorities. John Eko, National Coordinator of Food and Farmers Rights Campaign, highlighted the extensive financial and infrastructural losses faced by farmers due to the outbreak, marking it as the third occurrence in a decade.