The federal government has sought the support of veterinarians in its bid to increase milk production from the current 700,000 metric tons to 1.4 million tons, as well as to transition from open grazing to modern ranching methods.
Ishiyaku Mohammed, permanent secretary, service policies and strategies, office of the head of the Civil Service of the Federation, made the appeal at the 2026 Veterinary Leadership summit, convened by the Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association and GALVmed recently in Abuja
According to him, veterinary professionals have a critical role to play in realising the present administration’s agenda to increase the livestock sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product from the current 32 billion dollars to 74 billion dollars by the year 2035.
He disclosed that the government’s strategy for 2026 and beyond is to transition from traditional nomadic systems, double milk production from 700,000 tonnes to 1.4 million tonnes through science-driven genetics and sound animal health management, and manage one health by preventing outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.
“This transition will not succeed without strong, visionary and technically grounded veterinary leadership. You are the professionals who will ensure that Nigeria’s beef, poultry and dairy products are export-ready and competitive under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. You are the experts who will drive improvements in productivity, including national objectives,” he said.
Read also: Why Nigeria’s ‘Buy Local’ push matters for manufacturers
Mohammed assured that the federal government will continue to collaborate closely with professional bodies to ensure that public policies are guided by expert knowledge and aligned with global best practices.
Moses Arokoyo, president of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, and the organiser of the summit said the annual summit is deliberately structured to promote diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, while ensuring that women and young professionals from all regions are empowered to contribute meaningfully to national animal health outcomes.
He expressed optimism that the outcome of the two-day summit would strengthen livestock systems, not only in Nigeria but globally.
He noted that disease burden, weak service delivery systems, climate pressures, insecurity, and inequitable access to veterinary services continue to limit the sector’s full potential.
Stakeholders in the livestock sub-sector, including the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, in their separate goodwill messages, emphasised the need for veterinary professionals to work together to complement the Federal Government’s drive towards sustainable livestock development.
Representing the minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sabi Abdullahi, the chairperson of the convention and a renowned veterinarian, Lami Lombin, commended the leadership of Arokoyo, informing the gathering that efforts are underway to harmonise the Veterinary Surgeons Act and the para-animal health profession through a bill.
She challenged veterinarians to rise to the occasion, support themselves in diverse ways, ensure that the flag of the profession is maintained, and raise it high
Thembinkosi Ramuthivheli, Business Development and Engagement manager at GALVmed, and Edith Moroti, associate director, Outreach & Partnerships, both called on veterinarians to fight the burden of animal diseases in Nigeria, stressing the need for effective collaboration among professionals to ensure rapid growth in the industry.
Matthew Adamu, president of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, called on states chapter of the NVMA to work assiduously and support the association in the interest of the profession.
