***Newly Inaugurated Board Pledges Innovation, Regulation, and Global Competitiveness
Nigeria’s livestock sector is poised for a historic transformation as the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) aligns itself with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, vowing to drive innovation, enforce stricter regulations, and position the country as a leader in Africa’s livestock industry.
At the inauguration of the 12th Board of the Veterinary Council in Abuja, newly elected President, Professor Matthew Adamu, made a bold declaration: “Failure is not an option.”
He emphasized the council’s 72-year legacy, a network of over 10,000 veterinarians, and its commitment to modernizing veterinary practices to enhance food security and economic prosperity.
The recent creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been hailed as a long-overdue intervention in a sector brimming with untapped potential. Adamu stressed that if livestock had been prioritized earlier, Nigeria’s economy could have benefited significantly.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, reinforced this point, citing Brazil as a model Nigeria must follow. “With the right policies, Nigeria can become a livestock powerhouse,” he declared, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in unlocking the sector’s full potential.
With a 12-member board comprising veterinary experts, academics, and industry leaders, the council has pledged to Strengthen industry regulations to ensure compliance with global best practices, Collaborate with the government to shape policies that attract investment and enhance veterinary training and innovation to boost productivity.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, challenged the council to fast-track progress, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic investments to modernize the livestock industry.
With the Veterinary Council and the Federal Government working in synergy, experts predict a future where Nigeria’s livestock industry fuels job creation, economic growth, and food security.
The coming years will determine whether this collaboration turns ambition into reality—or remains another missed opportunity.