African swine fever outbreak in Ogun State caused losses of over 5 billion nairas

Pig farmers from Ikangba/Agoro axis in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, united under the Ikangba/Agoro Pig Farmers’ Association, have reported losses exceeding 5 billion naira due to African swine fever outbreaks. During a protest organized jointly with the Food and Farmers’ Rights Campaign, the affected farmers demanded compensation, soft loans, and other support from federal and state authorities to rebuild their businesses.

According to the national coordinator of the Food and Farmers’ Rights Campaign, John Ekoh, more than 2,000 farmers have been affected by the highly contagious virus. The disease has led to the death of tens of thousands of pigs and the closure of over 99% of pig farms in the area, as well as job losses. Ekoh noted that African swine fever is not zoonotic. The farmers advocate for investments in agricultural research to develop vaccines, the involvement of institutions such as the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom (Plateau State), and the establishment of a technical committee.

Farmers Fororunsho Ayodele and Adeola Ojelele shared their personal losses: Ayodele lost pigs worth over 18 million naira, his neighbor lost over 30 million naira, and Ojelele's investment shrank by more than 10 million naira. Some farmers are facing debts and hospitalization due to stress.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, stated that the state has informed the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development about the outbreak and is awaiting a response regarding support measures. He recalled that there is no approved vaccine for routine prevention and urged farmers to contact veterinary authorities for diagnostics, as well as to observe strict biosecurity measures, restrict the movement of pigs, and disinfect facilities.