The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s veterinary services as part of broader efforts to build a globally competitive, resilient and investment-friendly livestock sector.
This commitment was highlighted during the commencement of the Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Follow-Up Mission being conducted in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Speaking while receiving the WOAH delegation, led by Dr. Bouna Diop, in Abuja on Monday, June 15, 2026, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the mission as a significant step towards enhancing animal health systems, improving food security and positioning Nigeria as a trusted player in regional and international livestock trade.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, the Minister recalled that the 2019 PVS Evaluation Mission provided a comprehensive framework for strengthening Nigeria’s veterinary services with recommendations covering 45 critical competencies required for an effective veterinary system.
According to him, the Federal Government has since undertaken extensive reforms to address identified gaps and improve the country’s veterinary infrastructure.
Among the key achievements, he highlighted the development of the National Roadmap for Veterinary Services in Nigeria, describing it as one of the most inclusive initiatives ever undertaken in the nation’s animal health sector.
He noted that the roadmap was developed through extensive consultations involving government veterinary authorities, academic institutions, research organisations, professional bodies, private veterinary practitioners, livestock producers, development partners and other stakeholders.
Maiha emphasized that the follow-up mission goes beyond assessment, providing an opportunity for constructive engagement, shared learning and continuous improvement. He added that the exercise reflects Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sustained reforms within the livestock sector.
He expressed confidence that the mission would evaluate progress made since 2019 while identifying areas requiring further attention.
“By inviting WOAH to assess our progress across the 45 critical competencies, Nigeria is demonstrating its readiness to align with international best practices. Beyond evaluation, we are seeking strategic guidance that will boost investor confidence, reduce risks within the sector and accelerate livestock value chain development,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the WOAH delegation, Dr. Bouna Diop commended Nigeria’s openness to independent assessment, describing it as evidence of the government’s commitment to meaningful and lasting reforms.
He stressed that the mission is designed to support collaboration rather than inspection, noting that global developments since the 2019 evaluation have increased the need for agile, well-resourced and efficient veterinary systems capable of addressing emerging food security challenges.
Dr. Diop explained that the mission would generate objective evidence to guide policy decisions, attract investments and further strengthen Nigeria’s standing in animal health, livestock development and sustainable food systems.
The PVS Follow-Up Mission is expected to produce strategic recommendations that will guide the next phase of reforms and support the Federal Government’s vision of developing a modern, productive and globally competitive livestock industry.
