World Vet Day: Kogi NVMA seeks better welfare, recruitment of more veterinarians

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Kogi State Chapter, has called for better welfare and urgent recruitment of more veterinarians into the civil service, saying fewer than 10,000 vets serve over 200 million Nigerians.

The Kogi NVMA Chairman, Dr Tolu Omotugba, made the call while speaking after a road walk on Saturday in Lokoja to mark World Veterinary Day 2026 themed “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health.”

Omotugba said vets were overstretched despite safeguarding food safety and public health.

“Nigeria has fewer than 10,000 veterinarians serving over 200 million citizens. A veterinarian essentially puts his life on the line for the rest of the country,” he said.

He said Kogi vets reported to abattoirs by 5.30 am daily to certify meat and milk, but faced poor laboratory facilities and welfare conditions.

The association appealed to Governor Usman Ododo to approve a N300,000 monthly hazard stipend similar to that already earned by medical doctors.

“The Governor assured us he would approve it. We are still looking forward to that approval,” Omotugba said.

He warned against quacks, saying the wrong use of antibiotics had caused antimicrobial resistance with consequences for human health.

“We have shut down several outlets operated by quacks, arrested and charged some to court,” he said.

He added that the NVMA would meet drug vendors on April 29 to enforce regulations.

Omotugba praised colleagues for their daily early-morning inspections at abattoirs and their role in preventing animal diseases from crossing over to humans.

“To every veterinarian: thank you for your sacrifice. The nation eats safely and stays healthy because you do your job. Happy World Veterinary Day,” he said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Olufemi Bolarin, commended veterinarians and animal health workers for their dedication despite challenging conditions.

He described veterinarians as “true guardians of food and health” and urged farmers, private sector players and development partners to collaborate for a safer livestock industry.

“Veterinarians stand at the frontline of disease prevention. Their expertise is essential in combating zoonotic diseases and ensuring safe, wholesome food,” he said.

He said the Ododo administration had prioritised animal health services, mass vaccination, capacity building and stronger surveillance.

“Healthy animals lead to healthy people and a stronger economy,” Bolarin said.

He disclosed that Notra Tractor Denmark and the Arab Consortium, Cairo, Egypt, planned to set up a Model Livestock City in Kogi, with support expected for World Veterinary Day 2027.

He said the state would sponsor at least 10 veterinarians to the NVMA annual conference and reactivate neglected livestock control posts.

The NVMA members walked from Ganaja Flyover through Zenith Bank Junction and Government House to the Ministry of Livestock Development in Lokoja.