Nigeria's Livestock Ministry to Strengthen Veterinary Services Nationwide

News in brief:

-Nigeria's federal Government convenes veterinary stakeholders to strengthen animal health systems and food security.

-Focus placed on disease surveillance, infrastructure, and private sector participation.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) has convened a strategic engagement with Directors of Veterinary Services from across Nigeria’s sub-national levels, as part of efforts to strengthen animal health systems and support national food security.

The meeting, held recently in Abuja, underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on repositioning veterinary services as a critical pillar of public health, economic growth, and agricultural transformation.

Veterinary Professionals Positioned as Drivers of Change

Speaking at the engagement, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described ongoing reforms in the livestock sector as a “national revolution,” with veterinary professionals playing a central role.

“This country is undertaking a massive revolution in the livestock sector, and you are the champions of that transformation,” he said.

Maiha noted that the ministry is shifting from broad policy formulation to targeted system-level interventions that directly impact farmers, pastoralists, livestock markets, and abattoirs.

Implementation Gaps Remain Key Challenge

The minister acknowledged that while Nigeria has developed comprehensive frameworks for managing zoonotic and non-zoonotic diseases, implementation at the state and local levels remains inconsistent.

“The true test of effectiveness lies not at the centre, but at the grassroots, where veterinary services must deliver real results,” he stated.

He stressed that strengthening execution at the sub-national level would be critical to achieving meaningful outcomes.

Focus on Surveillance, Infrastructure and Workforce Expansion

Outlining the ministry’s priorities, Maiha highlighted the need to strengthen disease surveillance systems to enable early detection and rapid response.

He also pointed to plans to expand laboratory and diagnostic capacity, modernise veterinary infrastructure, and improve governance frameworks across the sector.

The minister emphasised the importance of building a well-trained and adequately distributed workforce, while calling for increased private sector participation to meet rising demand for animal health services.

Call for Collaboration and Modernisation

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said veterinary services are increasingly recognised globally as essential social services.

He urged stakeholders to embrace innovation, strengthen collaboration, and adapt to evolving global standards.

“The profession cannot remain static in a rapidly changing world. We must integrate new approaches and ensure that every cadre contributes effectively to national development,” he said.

Systemic Challenges Persist at Sub-National Level

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, highlighted ongoing systemic challenges affecting service delivery at state and local levels.

She noted that addressing these structural gaps would be essential to building a resilient and responsive veterinary system capable of supporting Nigeria’s broader livestock development goals.

Stakeholders at the engagement emphasised the need for coordinated action, stronger institutional alignment, and sustained investment in veterinary systems.

They agreed that strengthening animal health services would not only improve livestock productivity but also enhance food security, safeguard public health, and support economic development across the country.