FG launches renewed fight against rabies, targets elimination by 2030

The Federal Government has declared a fresh campaign against rabies, reaffirming its commitment to eliminating the fatal but preventable disease by 2030 in line with global targets.

Speaking at a Joint Ministerial Press Briefing held to mark World Rabies Day 2025 in Abuja, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Minister of Livestock Development, described rabies as one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases still affecting Nigerians, but assured that the Government is determined to stamp it out through the One Health approach.

“Government alone cannot win this battle. It requires you, me, and our communities working hand in hand. Together, we can make Nigeria rabies-free”, the minister said.

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Maiha stated that nationwide vaccination campaigns for dogs and cats had already begun alongside intensified sensitisation programmes and strengthened veterinary services, especially in underserved communities.

“Our approach is deliberate: to ensure that no family suffers the needless pain of losing a loved one to rabies,” he added.

The minister stressed that rabies eradication is central to Nigeria’s livestock development and food security agenda, urging State Governments, Local Councils, Veterinary Professionals and Community Leaders to align with the national elimination plan.

In solidarity, the Representatives of Muhammed Ali Pate, Ministers of Health and Social Welfare, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, pledged full ministerial support for the campaign under the One Health platform.

Earlier, Chinyere Akujobi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, represented by Stephen Ohaeri, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, emphasised that rabies, while almost 100% fatal once symptoms appear, it is equally 100% preventable through vaccination and responsible pet ownership.

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“We will not relent until rabies is eliminated from our borders. The health of our animals is directly tied to the well-being of our people”, she stated.

International Partners, Professional Associations and Civil Society Groups also commended Nigeria’s leadership in mass vaccination campaigns and pledged continued technical and vaccine support.

The World Rabies Day event brought together veterinary professionals, health experts, academia, and the media to raise awareness on rabies prevention and spotlight the Government’s strategy to achieve a rabies-free Nigeria.