Federal Government Unveils Comprehensive Roadmap for Veterinary Health
The Federal Government has officially adopted a 10-year national roadmap designed to transform Nigeria’s veterinary health services, with the objectives of enhancing food security and bolstering disease surveillance throughout the livestock sector.
Strategic Framework to Enhance Veterinary Practices
This strategic framework, spanning from 2026 to 2036, was established following an extensive three-day workshop in Abuja, organized by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development in collaboration with development partners, including GALVmed and IKORE.
A Vision for Modern Veterinary Health
During the workshop’s opening session, Livestock Development Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha emphasized that the roadmap aims to create a globally compliant and contemporary veterinary health system. He underscored the plan’s potential to support livestock productivity, safeguard public health, and facilitate secure trade practices.
Addressing Current Challenges in Veterinary Services
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, highlighted significant obstacles impeding the effectiveness of veterinary health services, particularly at the state level. Issues such as inadequate staffing, weak surveillance systems, and underperforming veterinary laboratories were identified as critical areas for improvement.
Government Commitment to Support Implementation
Idris Ajumobi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, assured that the Federal Government would back the implementation of the roadmap through necessary institutional reforms and targeted investments in the sector.
Collaboration for Sustainable Livestock Reform
Nigeria’s Chief Veterinarian, Samuel Anzak, noted that the roadmap resulted from extensive consultations and includes measurable objectives aimed at revamping the veterinary sector. Representing the Food and Agriculture Organization, Otto Vianney Muhinda pledged continued support for Nigeria in securing the technical expertise and resources necessary for reforming the livestock sector.
Engagement on Key Strategies
Participants of the workshop discussed various strategies focusing on public-private partnerships, animal identification, disease surveillance, and addressing emerging threats such as avian influenza. They reached resolutions aimed at strengthening institutional capacities, enhancing funding for veterinary services, and expanding the national disease surveillance framework.
Emphasizing the One Health Approach
The roadmap also prioritizes the implementation of a One Health approach, integrating digital transformation with workforce development and management across animal, human, and environmental health domains. This holistic strategy is expected to significantly elevate Nigeria’s veterinary health landscape over the next decade.
