Nigeria’s veterinarians have taken decisive steps to reclaim their pivotal role in the nation’s health and food systems, as the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association recently concluded its 61st Annual National Congress and Annual General Meeting in Jalingo, Taraba State, with far-reaching resolutions aimed at reforming animal health governance, strengthening food safety, and elevating professional standards across the country.
The three-day congress, themed “Animal Health, Food Safety and Security: Ensuring a Healthy and Productive Nigeria,” brought together hundreds of delegates — including veterinary experts, policymakers, researchers, private sector players, and students — to rethink the future of livestock management and public health.
Hosted at the Crest Resort, Jalingo, and tagged “Nature’s Gift 2025,” the event underscored a renewed national commitment to innovation, collaboration, and transformation in the country’s food systems.
One of the most significant outcomes of the congress was the approval of a ₦200,000 minimum monthly salary for veterinarians employed in private hospitals and clinics nationwide — a decision widely celebrated as a major step toward professional equity and improved welfare within the veterinary sector.
Presenting the key policy proposals, NVMA President, Dr Moses Arokoyo, in his speech, described the decision as “a step toward restoring the dignity of veterinary practice and ensuring professional welfare aligns with national standards.”
Arokoyo decried the underutilisation of Nigeria’s vast livestock resources — estimated at more than 400 million animals — due to inadequate veterinary presence at the grassroots. He noted that many Local Government Areas still lack resident veterinarians, leading to economic losses and rising risks of animal-borne diseases.
“Animal health is the foundation of food security and public health,” he said. “We are losing billions to preventable animal diseases. If properly harnessed, veterinary services can generate billions in GDP and create sustainable rural livelihoods.”
He further called on the Federal Government to implement the 65-year retirement age for all healthcare workers, including veterinarians, and urged state governments to domesticate the new Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to strengthen livestock governance across the federation.
Arokoyo also urged the government to declare a state of emergency on abattoirs, insisting that all slaughter operations should be carried out under proper veterinary supervision to ensure food safety and protect public health.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Jonathan Wasa, stressed the inseparable link between animal health, food safety, and national economic resilience.
Wasa highlighted Niger State’s achievements in livestock transformation, including the employment of 21 veterinarians and 27 technologists, the launch of a Pasture and Grazing Reserve Development Programme, and the introduction of the Veterinary Inspection Permit and Trade Animal Movement Security system for disease traceability and livestock movement control.
“Healthy animals mean healthy people and a healthy economy,” Governor Bago said through his representative. “Our goal is to integrate animal, human, and environmental health — the true spirit of the One Health approach.”
He encouraged veterinarians to take leadership roles in policy formulation, governance, and agribusiness, noting that the profession possesses the expertise to drive sustainable growth in agriculture and food security.
The congress also inaugurated a 33-member NVMA Think Tank to design a strategic roadmap for the future of the veterinary profession, spanning education, research, regulation, and international collaboration. In addition, the association unveiled the NVMA Lapel Pin, symbolising the body’s renewed identity and commitment under the slogan: “Veterinarians: Safeguarding Animal and Public Health.”
Technical plenary sessions focused on critical issues, including Foot and Mouth Disease, Scaling up Ruminant Vaccination, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Zoonotic Disease Surveillance. Key resolutions included improved vaccination with locally adapted vaccines, stronger surveillance systems, enhanced public awareness, regulated antimicrobial use, and stricter livestock movement control during outbreaks.
At the close of the congress, delegates unanimously endorsed the One Health framework, which integrates veterinary, medical, and environmental health systems for comprehensive disease prevention and control.
In a communiqué signed by Dr Grace Sabo Nok (Chairman), Dr Abdulkadeer Umar Baba (Secretary), and Dr. James Clinton Shawulu (Member), the NVMA reaffirmed its resolve to champion policies that guarantee safe food, healthy animals, and a resilient national economy.
“We move forward united in purpose, driven by science, and committed to a healthier, safer, and more productive Nigeria,” the communiqué concluded.
From the vibrant discussions in Jalingo, one message rang clear — Nigeria’s veterinarians are stepping out of the sidelines to lead the charge for health, food security, and sustainable growth.
