FG Advances Strategies to Combat Disease Outbreaks, Support Livestock Farmers

The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to strengthen disease management in the livestock sector, aiming to protect farmers’ investments and ensure food security.

In a high-level meeting with national, regional and state coordinators, directors of veterinary services, technical experts, farmers associations and development partners, among other key stakeholders, held on Saturday, 8th November 2025, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, emphasised the need for proactive surveillance and immediate response to combat disease outbreaks. 

The Minister stressed the economic opportunity tied to stronger disease control systems, “The red meat industry is committed to working with us to begin exporting meat to the Gulf. But this depends entirely on how many animals we can certify. One Gulf country alone requires almost 200 tons of meat,” he stated.

Speaking further, Mukhtar underscored the urgency of reinforcing Nigeria’s animal health systems, particularly with the rising movement of animals across borders. “From Sudan, DR Congo, Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso, we receive animals; and we should be in a position to certify the animals coming into our country,” he stressed. 

The Minister charged stakeholders to produce “practical, workable solutions” that align with ECOWAS, FAO, and WOAH frameworks and can be embedded in the upcoming 2026 budget cycle, adding that "Protecting our farmers’ investments is paramount”. 

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, reiterated the zero-tolerance policy for uncontrolled outbreaks, emphasising the need for stronger collaboration between federal, state, and local authorities. "Engaging state Governors to prioritise disease control is critical. Our farmers cannot be left vulnerable,” she said.

Dr. Akujobi also advocated for the development of six-month action plans across clusters and value chains to address immediate challenges and deliver quick wins. 

She further encouraged the widespread socialisation and dissemination of the Animal Disease Control Act and related regulations to equip relevant stakeholders for effective outbreak response.

During the meeting, the national coordinators provided situation reports on recent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), African Swine Fever (ASF), and Rabies, detailing interventions and successes in disease control. 

Notably, outbreaks of FMD in various states were met with rapid vaccination campaigns, surveillance, and sample collection, with technical support from the Ministry, the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), and regional partners.

Farmers and associations shared their experiences and challenges, calling for improved access to vaccines, support for rebuilding herds, fair and timely compensation for losses, and assistance to prevent inbreeding, especially in areas recovering from ASF outbreak.

On his part, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), Dr. Samuel Anzaku, emphasised the importance of contingency planning, adequate stockpiles of vaccines, and strengthening diagnostic capacity. 

He noted that timely interventions in outbreak hotspots have limited disease spread and saved valuable livestock, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to One Health approaches.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to enhance disease surveillance, expand vaccination coverage, upgrade laboratory capacity, and increase awareness campaigns across the country. 

Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu
Head, Press and Public Relations 
8th November, 2025