By Bukola Adewumi
The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has outlined its commitment to improving animal health, fortifying food safety, and streamlining the trade in animals and animal products across the nation.
Dr Columba Vakuru, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, unveiled this ambitious plan during a consultative stakeholders meeting on the sanitary mandate held in Abuja on Monday.
Vakuru emphasised that the council’s mission is to pave the way for a paradigm shift in Animal Health Care delivery, advancing veterinary sanitation in Nigeria.
Addressing the stakeholders, he articulated that the strategic priorities, objectives, and tactics outlined in the sanitary mandate are geared towards protecting the health of both animals and humans.
“The overall goal is to achieve animal welfare, guarantee food security, ultimately leading to improved public health,” he affirmed.
The veterinary director urged members to actively engage in the discussions, share thoughts constructively, adding that their inputs would shape the future direction of veterinary services in Nigeria.
He also said that members should reaffirm their commitment to excellence, innovation, and partnership.
Dr Mustapha Mohammed, the Animal Component Officer, highlighted the severe threat posed by Transboundary Animal Diseases in the sub-region, underscoring their impact on livestock productivity and mortality.
The L-PRES project, developed by the Federal Government Preparation Team and experts, focuses on preventing, controlling, and possibly eradicating four key transboundary diseases in the animal health component.
Dr Adiya Ode, Country Representative of Propcom+, stressed the importance of robust Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to institutionalise routine livestock vaccination at various government levels, ultimately saving costs and boosting efficiency.
Propcom+ aims to strengthen the last mile delivery of animal health vaccines by scaling models such as Community Animal Health Workers and Veterinary Para-Professionals.
Ode highlighted that PPPs have been successfully piloted in several locations in Nigeria and emphasised the need for a comprehensive framework to support these initiatives. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Chinyere Bassey and Chijioke Okoronkwo