Nigerian Stakeholders Meet Ahead of 28th CODEX Veterinary Drugs Forum

News in brief:

-Nigerian government agencies and stakeholders met to prepare for the 28th Codex forum on veterinary drug residues in food.

-The meeting focused on aligning national positions, strengthening food safety systems and enhancing global trade compliance.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has convened a national preparatory meeting ahead of the 28th session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food, scheduled to hold from 23 to 27 May 2026 in Minneapolis, United States.

The meeting brought together representatives from key institutions to review the technical agenda and harmonise Nigeria’s national position ahead of the international forum.

Key Agencies Participate in Preparatory Discussions

Participants at the meeting included officials from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Directors and senior staff from the Ministry of Livestock Development also attended alongside other stakeholders involved in veterinary health and food safety governance.

Nigeria Seeks Coordinated Representation at Codex Session

Declaring the meeting open, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria and Chairman of the Ministerial Codex Committee, Samuel Anzaku, said the preparatory session provides an opportunity to align national technical positions before the global meeting.

He explained that veterinary drugs play a critical role in maintaining animal health and improving livestock productivity, but require strict regulation and monitoring to ensure consumer safety.

According to him, coordinated participation will help ensure Nigeria’s interests are effectively represented at the international forum.

Strengthening Food Safety Governance

The Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), represented by the Head of Standards Development, Yunusa Mohammed, commended the ministry for convening the meeting.

He noted that Nigeria’s engagement in Codex processes strengthens national food safety systems and ensures that the country contributes to shaping global standards.

Mohammed added that representatives from NAFDAC and the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture are already registered to participate in the upcoming session.

Focus on Food Safety and Trade Competitiveness

Stakeholders at the meeting emphasised the importance of harmonised policies, improved inter-agency collaboration and effective residue monitoring frameworks.

Discussions also focused on sampling methods, risk management strategies, and the responsible use of veterinary drugs to safeguard consumers and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global livestock trade.

The preparatory meeting provided an opportunity for agencies to strengthen coordination, reinforce veterinary public health systems and consolidate Nigeria’s technical contributions ahead of the Codex session in Minneapolis.