The Federal Government has validated a ten-year National Roadmap for Veterinary Services (2026–2036), aimed at modernising Nigeria’s animal health system, boosting food security, and strengthening public health outcomes.
The validation was concluded at a three-day workshop held in Abuja from April 28 to 30, 2026, convened by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development with support from development partners, including GALVmed and IKORE.
Declaring the workshop open, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasised the urgency of reforming veterinary systems amid emerging global health threats.
“This roadmap provides a clear, forward-looking vision to build a modern, resilient, and globally compliant veterinary system that supports livestock productivity, protects public health, and facilitates safe trade,” he said.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, identified persistent systemic challenges affecting service delivery, particularly at the sub-national level.
“Several systemic issues continue to limit effectiveness, including gaps in manpower distribution, weak surveillance systems, and underperforming veterinary laboratories due to inadequate infrastructure and resources,” she noted.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Ajumobi, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the roadmap through strategic investments and institutional reforms.
Earlier, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Samuel Anzaku, described the roadmap as a product of extensive consultations, with practical strategies and measurable targets to transform the sector.
Development partners commended Nigeria’s efforts, with the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Otto Vianney Muhinda, pledging continued international support.
“FAO is pleased with the clear vision and ambition demonstrated by Nigeria in the livestock sector. We stand ready to support the Ministry in mobilizing global expertise and resources to achieve its transformative goals,” he said.
On his part, the President of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Moses Arokoyo, described the roadmap as a defining moment for the profession.
“To remain effective, we must invest urgently in infrastructure, funding, and speed of response. This roadmap has helped us identify these priorities clearly,” he stated.
Subnational stakeholders also pledged alignment with the national agenda. The Plateau State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Sunday Akpa, said the initiative was already inspiring action across states.
“The vision behind the creation of the Ministry is already inspiring action across states. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger livestock sector in the years ahead,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of implementers, the Dean of Directors of Veterinary Services, Ibrahim Muhammad Bello, affirmed readiness to translate the roadmap into action nationwide.
“We are the implementers of this roadmap, and we are fully committed to translating its vision into action across all states,” he said.
The workshop drew participation from key stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, permanent secretaries, directors, heads of institutions, veterinary service directors from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as development partners, academia, and industry leaders.
Participants engaged in technical sessions covering public-private partnerships, disease surveillance, animal identification and traceability, red meat value chain development, and emerging disease threats such as avian influenza.
At the end of the workshop, stakeholders adopted key resolutions to revitalise veterinary services, including strengthening institutional capacity, establishing sustainable funding mechanisms, enhancing disease surveillance systems, implementing a coordinated national vaccination strategy, and expanding public-private partnerships.
The roadmap also prioritises digital transformation, workforce development, and the institutionalisation of the One Health approach to address the interconnected challenges of animal, human, and environmental health.
