The Federal Government has launched a coordinated, multi-state intervention targeting tsetse fly infestation and the diseases they transmit, in a renewed push to protect Nigeria’s livestock sector and strengthen public health outcomes.
The exercise, led by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, is being implemented simultaneously across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi and Ogun states, covering major grazing reserves, livestock settlements and other high-risk areas.
Officials said the campaign, which ran from April 20 to April 24, 2026, combines scientific surveillance, vector control and community engagement as part of a broader national strategy to tackle tsetse-borne diseases and improve livestock productivity.
Speaking during field operations at the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve in the FCT, Deputy Director and FCT Coordinator of the Federal Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Ozoemena Uche, highlighted the public health risks posed by the insects.
“Tsetse flies transmit trypanosomiasis, which affects both animals and humans. Our goal is to reduce its impact on livestock productivity and prevent associated public health risks,” he said.
At the reserve, which hosts over 15,000 cattle, officials deployed biconical traps at measured intervals to assess fly prevalence, alongside fumigation and insecticide application in identified hotspots.
Manager of the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve, Mohammed Abubakar Bala, noted that livestock owners are grappling with multiple disease threats beyond tsetse infestation.
“We are also dealing with diseases like foot-and-mouth and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. We need sustained veterinary support and access to vaccines to protect our livestock,” he said.
In Kogi State, the intervention covered six local government areas—Adavi, Lokoja, Koton Karfe, Ajaokuta, Ofu and Idah—reflecting the state’s strategic position in livestock movement across the country.
The State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Olufemi Bolarin, said success in Kogi would have far-reaching national benefits due to its central location.
Also, the state coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Abba Helen, called for community participation, urging residents in affected areas to cooperate with field teams to ensure lasting results.
Team Lead of the Tsetse Fly Surveillance and Ground Control Programme in the state, Abdulkadiri Adaji, stressed the urgency of the intervention.
“The prevalence of tsetse flies continues to impact livestock production and livelihoods. This exercise is critical to generating data and implementing control measures that will reverse this trend,” he said.
He added that, “diseases transmitted by animals can affect humans and so addressing this challenge is essential not just for agriculture, but for national health security.”
In Ogun State, operations were conducted in key livestock settlements, including Owowo RUGA Community in Ewekoro Local Government Area, Alamutu RUGA Community in Abeokuta North, and Alabata RUGA Settlement in Odeda.
Representing the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, the Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening animal health systems, noting plans such as free vaccination programmes for farmers.
State Coordinator, Dr. Toyin Ayo-Ajayi, emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities to ensure long-term impact, while Team Lead from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Gilbert Okoro, outlined the dual control approach adopted.
“We are deploying both physical and chemical control methods. Traps are used to capture the flies, while insecticides are applied to eliminate those not caught. This aligns with the One Health approach, ensuring that human health, animal health, and environmental safety are addressed together,” he said.
Head of Pest Control Services at the ministry, Dr. Chuka Ikejiaku, said the Federal Government plans to expand the intervention nationwide and called for continued stakeholder support.
The latest move marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to address longstanding challenges in livestock production, as authorities seek to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases while improving rural livelihoods and food security.
