The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has convened a national stakeholders’ meeting to harmonise Nigeria’s position ahead of the 28th session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food (CCRVDF28), scheduled for May 23–27, 2026, in Minneapolis, United States.
The preparatory meeting, held on Tuesday brought together key regulatory and technical agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, alongside senior officials of the livestock ministry.
Declaring the session open, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria and Chairman of the Ministerial Codex Committee, Samuel Anzaku, said the forum would enable Nigeria to review the technical agenda of the upcoming global meeting and consolidate its national position on veterinary drug residues.
He noted that veterinary drugs remain critical to animal health and productivity but stressed that effective regulation and monitoring are essential to safeguard public health and maintain consumer confidence in animal-derived food products.
“This meeting enables Nigeria to consolidate its positions on veterinary drug residues, ensuring that our contributions at the global stage reflect national priorities,” Anzaku said.
Representing the Director-General of SON, Yunusa Mohammed, Head of Standards Development, commended the ministry for convening the meeting, describing it as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to global food safety governance.
He said participation in Codex processes allows Nigeria to shape international standards while strengthening coordination across agencies responsible for food safety regulation, veterinary drug control, residue monitoring, and aquaculture oversight.
Mohammed added that officials from NAFDAC and the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture have been registered to participate in the Minneapolis session, signalling Nigeria’s readiness to contribute technical expertise.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasised the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, harmonised policies, and improved monitoring frameworks. They also highlighted the importance of aligning national standards with global benchmarks to enhance consumer protection and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in international livestock trade.
Discussions at the meeting focused on sampling methods, residue monitoring systems, risk management strategies, and the responsible use of veterinary drugs, as part of efforts to strengthen veterinary public health systems ahead of the global forum.
