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Federal Government has so far paid a total sum of N630 million as compensation to over 3, 073 farmers since the outbreak of the Avian Influenza in 2006.
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, Gbenga Makanjuola, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of a regional workshop on Avian Influenza Advanced Laboratory Diagnostic Techniques at the National Institute for Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State.
Makanjuola who added that over 1 .3 million birds had been depopulated since the outbreak, called for the support and promotion of livestock production through provision of good quality vaccines and by producing adequate surveillance and diagnostic services for diseases control and eradication.
The Chairman pointed out that it was in recognition of the critical role that agriculture plays in the national economy that prompted the Government to increase budgetary allocation in the 2008 Appropriation to all Agricultural Research Institutes in the country to enhance their performances and service delivery.
He commended the National Veterinary Research Institute towards developing new products using conventional techniques and application of modem tools of Biotechnology and assured the management of the Institute that government would continue to support the Institute so that it can adequately execute its mandate and provide service to the farmers.
In her welcome address, the Executive Director of the Institute, Dr (Mrs) Lami Lombin noted that as at today NVRI has developed and produced ten different types of viral vaccines for poultry, dogs, sheep, goats and seven bacterial vaccines for cattle and poultry.
According to her, in recognition of the contribution of the NVRI in the fight against bird flu, the National Institute for Veterinary Research Institute, Vom ,has been selected as a Regional Laboratory for Avian Influenza and other trans-boundary diseases for West and Central Africa. 
By this selection, the NVRI, Vom, would be expected to offer technical assistance to other National Veterinary Laboratories in West and Central Africa in terms of training, confirmatory diagnosis, technical advices, and support for implementing quality system.