FG Declares War on Rabies, Vows Elimination by 2030

By Onwe Wisdom | Pan Afric Reporters Abuja

The Federal Government has declared a renewed war against rabies, reaffirming its determination to eliminate the deadly but preventable disease by 2030 in line with the global target.

Speaking at the Joint Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate World Rabies Day 2025, held at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha according to a press release e-signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations Department, Ben. Bem Goong described rabies as “one of the deadliest zoonotic diseases affecting Nigerians,” but assured that 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,” Maiha declared.

The Minister revealed that nationwide vaccination campaigns for dogs and cats are already underway, alongside intensified public 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.

Underscoring the importance of partnerships, Maiha stressed that rabies eradication is central to Nigeria’s livestock development agenda and food security goals. He urged state governments, local councils, veterinary professionals, and community leaders to align with the national rabies elimination plan, reassuring that Nigeria is committed to achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

Also speaking, representatives of the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, and the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, pledged their Ministries’ full support for rabies elimination under the One Health platform.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi—represented by the Director of Planning Research and Statistics, Stephen Ohaeri—highlighted the preventable nature of the disease. “While rabies is almost 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear, it is also 100 percent preventable through vaccination and responsible pet ownership,” she explained.

She further noted that the Ministry is prioritising capacity building for veterinary officers, expanding diagnostic facilities, and ensuring states have the technical support they need to respond effectively to outbreaks. “We will not relent until rabies is eliminated from our borders. The health of our animals is directly tied to the wellbeing of our people,” she affirmed.

International partners, professional associations, and civil society representatives delivered goodwill messages, commending Nigeria’s leadership in mass vaccination campaigns and pledging expanded access to vaccines and technical support for the anti-rabies drive.

The World Rabies Day 2025 commemoration drew veterinary professionals, health experts, academia, and the media, all united in raising awareness and amplifying Nigeria’s strategic plan to achieve a rabies-free nation.