This caution comes in response to the outbreak of Anthrax in neighboring countries.

Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized the necessity of alerting the public about the disease, which is currently affecting Northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.

Anthrax is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted from infected animals to humans. Its spores are naturally present in the soil and commonly affect both domestic and wild animals.

While contact with infected animals or contaminated animal products can lead to Anthrax spore infection, it is not a contagious disease.

Symptoms of Anthrax include flu-like signs such as cough, fever, and muscle aches. If left undiagnosed and untreated, it can progress to pneumonia, severe lung problems, difficulty breathing, shock, and even death.

Dr. Umakhihe stated, “The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development hereby notifies the general public about the outbreak of Anthrax in some neighboring countries within the West African Sub-Region, specifically Northern Ghana, bordering Burkina Faso and Togo.”

He emphasized that Anthrax is a zoonotic disease, meaning it affects both animals and humans. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to avoid close contact with infected animals or consuming animal products that may be contaminated.

To control the outbreak, the Federal Government has reestablished a Standing Committee on the Control of Anthrax in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Relevant institutions and collaborators have also been engaged in this effort. State directors of veterinary services nationwide have been sensitized to the situation.

Dr. Umakhihe further explained that Anthrax primarily affects animals. However, due to humans’ close proximity to animals, non-vaccinated animals can transmit the disease to humans through inhalation of Anthrax spores or the consumption of contaminated animal products, such as hides, skins, meat, or milk.

The Permanent Secretary called upon the border states of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos to intensify animal vaccinations due to their proximity to Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ghana. Other states in Nigeria are also advised to participate in the vaccination campaign.

Infected animals cannot be vaccinated, but animals at risk can receive vaccination. It is recommended that infected carcasses be deeply buried in the soil, along with equipment used for burial, after applying chemicals that can kill the Anthrax spores.

Dr. Umakhihe disclosed that annual vaccinations with Anthrax spore vaccines are available at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Vom, Plateau State.

These vaccines are the most affordable and convenient means of preventing and controlling the disease in animals.

The Lawyer spoke against the backdrop that the government intended to ban ponmo in other to increase leather industry to promote economy of the country.

But Ubani said this in a statement signed by him on Wednesday, noting that pọnmọ “is the most common delicacy that is mostly enjoyed by the average citizen due to its affordability, and given that fish, meat and other sources of protein had become very expensive and thus unaffordable by the common man in the country.”

The rights activist queried the reason for the government’s decision.

He said, “The truth is that pọnmọ remains the most constant protein or meat-like substance in the common man’s stew and soups. While politicians and rich Nigerians as well as their families enjoy all manner of proteins in their sumptuous and mouth-watering meals that are the envy of the common man, they have become restless and jealous of the only meat-like item that the average citizen chews while eating his ‘meal of affliction.’ Such a government pronouncement and planned policy of banning pọnmọ cannot be fair and just. It is ill-advised and we reject it in its entirety.”

He said the government should be prepared for a prolonged legal battle upon the declaration of the ban.

“I shall be prepared to undertake this public interest case on behalf of millions of Nigerians who consider this delicacy too palatable to be taken off their dining tables or better still, dining floors, more so when it remains the only affordable substance that has a semblance of meat or fish in the common man’s meals. A word is enough for the wise,” he added.

Ubani advised the government to “ensure that such callous and anti-people policy does not see the light of the day.”