***As FG Reaffirms Commitment to Livestock Development
The President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Dr. Moses Arokoyo, has raised concerns over the alarming state of abattoirs across the country, describing them as a major public health risk.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the 2025 Annual Leadership Summit of the Association,
“We must rise to condemn all unhealthy forms of meat production and slaughter. The quackery and unsafe practices in our abattoirs must stop—it is a ticking time bomb for public health,” he warned.
He also called attention to the growing threat of zoonotic diseases, stressing that Nigeria has witnessed multiple outbreaks in quick succession this year alone. He urged veterinarians to take the lead in raising awareness, advancing scientific research, and strengthening disease surveillance.
“We live in a world of rapid change, where urbanization has increased human-animal interactions. As gatekeepers of public health, we cannot afford to be complacent in combating zoonotic threats and ensuring food safety,” he added.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s livestock sector, positioning it as a key driver of economic development, food security, and job creation.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, represented by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Columba Vakuru, emphasized the administration’s dedication to tackling challenges in the sector.
One of the administration’s most significant steps, he noted, is the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This move was to unlock the industry’s full potential, resolve persistent farmer-herder conflicts, and strengthen national food and nutritional security.
“The Ministry is committed to an all-inclusive, consultative approach to solving the sector’s challenges. This requires good leadership, informed policies, and collaboration across stakeholders,” the minister stated.
As part of the government’s action plan, the ministry has commissioned a new 40-million-dose-capacity solar-powered National Strategic Vaccine Cold Room Storage in Abuja.
This facility is expected to bolster Nigeria’s ability to combat livestock diseases, ensuring better productivity and economic benefits.
President of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Dr. Aishat Abubakar Baju, commended the government for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development and expressed the council’s readiness to collaborate in implementing critical reforms.
“This is a fantastic development, and we at the council are fully committed to supporting the government in achieving its Renewed Hope Agenda for economic transformation,” she stated.
In his keynote address, Chairman of Danwaire Consulting Limited, Dr. Junaidu Maina, emphasized the crucial role of veterinarians in economic growth, public health, and food security.
He noted that the profession has made significant contributions to policy formulation, disease control, and livestock research but urged greater investment in capacity building, regulation, and modernization of veterinary services.
With the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development now in place, stakeholders agree that Nigeria has a unique opportunity to overhaul its livestock industry. However, they stress that effective implementation, strong leadership, and strict enforcement of health regulations will determine the sector’s long-term success.
As veterinarians commit to ensuring safer food production, combating zoonotic diseases, and strengthening livestock management, the question remains: Will government policies translate into real change for the industry?
Only time will tell, but one thing is clear—the stakes for Nigeria’s livestock sector have never been higher.