Nigeria Strengthens Veterinary Services for Global Competitiveness
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector into a globally competitive, resilient and investment-ready industry with the commencement of a high-level Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Follow-Up Mission in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
Speaking while receiving the WOAH delegation led by Dr. Bouna Diop in Abuja on Monday 15th June, 2026, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha according to a media report e-signed by the ministry’s Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Henrietta Okokon, said the mission represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen animal health systems, enhance food security and position the country as a trusted partner in regional and global livestock trade.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, the Minister noted that the last PVS Evaluation Mission conducted in Nigeria in 2019 provided a comprehensive roadmap for improving Veterinary Services and offered recommendations across forty-five critical competencies essential for an effective veterinary system.
He stated that Nigeria had taken the recommendations seriously and had since implemented far-reaching reforms aimed at closing identified gaps and strengthening the country’s veterinary architecture.
“Among our most significant achievements is the development of the National Roadmap for Veterinary Services in Nigeria, one of the most inclusive and consultative initiatives in the history of the country’s animal health sector.
“The process brought together public veterinary authorities, academia, research institutions, professional associations, private veterinarians, livestock producers, development partners and other key stakeholders,” he said.
The Minister described the follow-up mission as more than an assessment exercise stressing that it provides an opportunity for constructive engagement, mutual learning and continuous improvement.
He added that the engagement demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous reform, expressing optimism that the mission would offer valuable insights into the progress made since 2019 while identifying areas requiring further strengthening.
“By inviting WOAH to assess our progress against the forty-five critical competencies, we are sending a clear message that Nigeria is ready to benchmark itself against global standards. We are not merely seeking an evaluation; we are seeking strategic guidance that will strengthen investor confidence, de-risk the sector and accelerate the growth of the livestock value chain,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the WOAH delegation, the Team Leader of the PVS Follow-Up Mission, Dr. Bouna Diop, commended Nigeria’s willingness to subject its Veterinary Services to independent assessment, describing it as a hallmark of a nation committed to meaningful reform.
“Our focus is not on inspection but on collaboration. Since the last evaluation in 2019, the global landscape has evolved significantly, and the challenges of food security require countries to maintain agile, well-resourced and effective veterinary systems,” Dr. Diop said.
He explained that the mission would generate objective evidence to support policy decisions, mobilize investments and strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a leader in animal health, livestock development and sustainable food systems.
The mission is expected to culminate in strategic recommendations that will guide the next phase of reforms and support the Federal Government’s vision of building a modern, productive and globally competitive livestock sector.
