Nigeria has received international recognition for the progress made in strengthening its veterinary services and animal health systems.
The commendation came from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) during the presentation of preliminary findings from its Performance of Veterinary Services Follow-Up Mission to the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, in Abuja.
Receiving the delegation, the Minister described the findings as a roadmap for improving Nigeria’s veterinary system and advancing the Federal Government’s goal of building a modern and globally competitive livestock sector.
Mukhtar reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to addressing identified gaps through collaboration with state governments, development partners, academia and the private sector.
He noted that over eighteen states have now established livestock-focused ministries and institutions, compared to just three before the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development.
The Minister also pledged to strengthen disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, laboratory capacity and the eradication of priority animal diseases, while ensuring that the mission’s recommendations are incorporated into ongoing reforms.
Earlier, leader of the WOAH delegation, Dr. Bouna Diop, praised Nigeria for key reforms, including the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the development of the National Roadmap for Veterinary Services (2026–2036).
He said Nigeria is making significant progress but stressed the need to translate policies into well-funded implementation, particularly at the state level. The delegation also recommended greater investment in veterinary personnel, laboratory networks, disease surveillance and emergency response systems.
