Akwa Ibom Lawmakers Reject Motion Banning Dog Meat Consumption

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has rejected a motion seeking to ban the sale and consumption of dog meat across the state, following a brief but notable debate during Tuesday’s plenary session.

The proposal, sponsored by Uduak Ekpoufot, member representing Etinan State Constituency, failed almost immediately after it was presented, as no lawmaker seconded the motion — a requirement for it to proceed under the House’s standing rules.

Ekpoufot had argued that dog-meat consumption poses significant public-health dangers, warning that improper slaughter and processing could expose consumers to rabies, salmonella, parasites, and other infectious diseases.

He also raised concerns about what he described as the cruel and unhygienic methods used in handling and preparing dog meat, urging the House to consider a prohibition for the safety and wellbeing of residents.

Despite these concerns, the motion failed to attract any support in the chamber.

The Speaker subsequently ruled it out, bringing the matter to an abrupt close.

With the rejection, the commercial sale and consumption of dog meat remain unregulated in Akwa Ibom, where the delicacy is still popular in several communities.

The decision has triggered mixed reactions among residents. Supporters of the rejection say banning dog meat would undermine cultural traditions and interfere with personal dietary choices.

Critics, however, faulted the lawmakers for dismissing the public-health arguments outright, questioning whether the Assembly missed an opportunity to address an issue they consider both a health and animal-welfare concern.

Dog-meat consumption has long been a culturally rooted practice in parts of southern Nigeria, including Akwa Ibom, but continues to stir debate nationwide as calls grow for regulation or outright bans on health and ethical grounds.