The Federal Government has inaugurated the second International Border Animal Quarantine Facility at Jaba-Jaba, a Nigerian-Cameroon border community in Maiha Local Government Area, Adamawa.
During the inauguration on Friday, the Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Mukhtar, described the facility as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen animal health and livestock development nationwide.
Constructed under the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, the minister noted that this is Nigeria’s second such facility, after the one at Nfum in Cross River’s Etung Local Government Area.
He explained that the facility will screen cattle, sheep, and goats entering Nigeria through the international border and will enhance the country’s animal health surveillance system.
According to him, over 10,000 cattle herd cross into Nigeria weekly via the Jaba-Jaba route from the Central African Republic, Sudan, Chad, and Cameroon.
He added, “Some of these animals are uncertified or sick, risking the spread of animal diseases to Nigerians. The facility will help reduce the threat of transboundary animal diseases that endanger livestock, public health, food security, and the economy.”
The minister described the project as a significant step toward implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the livestock sector. He also announced plans to establish similar facilities in Borno, Niger, Kano, Kebbi, and Sokoto states.
Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, commended the federal government for the initiative. He stated, “Adamawa has the highest cattle population in Nigeria,” and emphasized that the state government has invested heavily in transforming the livestock sector.
He urged residents of the border community to protect the facility and support its operations.
Earlier, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, the National Coordinator of the L-PRES Project, said the inauguration marked another milestone in the implementation of the World Bank-supported project.
He explained that the facility was established under the project’s Innovation and Institutional Systems Strengthening component to support the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) in preventing diseased animals from entering the country.
He added that the facility will enhance disease surveillance, livestock traceability, pastoral advisory services through geospatial technology, and promote peaceful coexistence between livestock keepers and farmers.
The facility is equipped with modern infrastructure, including a large animal holding pen, solar-powered water supply, spray race, cattle dip, cattle crush, office space, and training facilities.
It is expected to improve operational efficiency, animal welfare, and Nigeria’s capacity to prevent and control transboundary animal diseases.
The minister also inaugurated a Model Veterinary Clinic in Jaba-Jaba and the Strategic Artificial Insemination Centre at Adamawa State University, Mubi.
