The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has inaugurated a 33-member National Technical Working Group on the control and eradication of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) to protect sheep and goats and strengthen the livestock economy.
The inauguration, which was held on Tuesday in Abuja, was disclosed by the ministry in a statement signed by Ogochukwu Igboamalu, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Information) of the ministry.
Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, said PPR remains one of the most devastating transboundary animal diseases affecting sheep and goats in endemic countries, including Nigeria.
Read also: FG launches national livestock council to unlock $74bn industry potential
He said the disease threatens animal health and undermines the livelihoods of pastoralists and smallholder farmers, adding that it weakens food and nutrition security and restricts trade in livestock and livestock products.
Maiha noted that small ruminants are central to women, youth and vulnerable rural households, describing them as a major source of income, nutrition and financial resilience.
He said controlling and eradicating PPR is a veterinary, economic and social priority for the country, adding that success would support economic diversification, poverty reduction, women and youth empowerment, and the expansion of regional and international livestock trade.
The minister urged members of the task force to approach their assignment with professionalism, assuring them of full policy backing and institutional support from the ministry.
Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, described the task force as a key mechanism for translating policy into action, saying it would help ensure that PPR control efforts are technically sound, coordinated and sustainable.
Represented by Samuel Anzaku, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, she said the task force is expected to provide technical oversight on PPR prevention, control and eradication, as well as support the national PPR control and eradication roadmap.
She added that members would also strengthen surveillance, vaccination, diagnostics and data management, while enhancing coordination among federal and state institutions, research bodies, the private sector and development partners.
Earlier, Michael Alao Mitchell, Head of the Department of Animal Health and Reproductive Services, said the inauguration marked a milestone in strengthening animal health systems.
He said PPR continues to pose a major threat to livestock production and rural livelihoods.
