***Newly Inaugurated Veterinary Council Pledges Expertise, Innovation, and Growth
In a bold commitment to transform Nigeria’s livestock industry into an economic powerhouse, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has pledged full support for the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
With over 72 years of institutional experience and a vast network of professionals, the council vows to drive innovation, strengthen regulation, and position Nigeria as Africa’s livestock hub.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 12th Board of the Veterinary Council in Abuja, the newly elected President, Professor Matthew Adamu, reaffirmed the council’s dedication to enforcing global best practices in veterinary medicine and livestock management.
“There is no room for failure, Minister. The Veterinary Council of Nigeria has been in existence for over seven decades, and we have the expertise, manpower, and political will to transform this sector,” Adamu declared.
With an impressive registry of over 10,000 veterinarians and 50,000 veterinary paraprofessionals, the council has taken on the enormous task of ensuring strict adherence to industry regulations. Adamu emphasized that the council would work closely with the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to bridge gaps in policy execution and enforce ethical standards.
“We are an agency under your ministry, and we take this responsibility seriously. Our goal is to ensure that everyone involved in livestock production operates within the ambit of the law for the collective benefit of the nation.”Adamu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, an initiative he believes should have been established since Nigeria’s independence.
He argued that if livestock had received the necessary attention earlier, the sector could have significantly boosted the nation’s economy.
His sentiments were echoed by Senator Sabi Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, who charged the new board with accelerating progress in the sector.”This is a profound moment for the livestock industry.
We must seize this opportunity to revolutionize the sector with innovative policies and strategic investments,” Abdullahi urged.As a veterinarian himself, Abdullahi expressed confidence that the new board, under Adamu’s leadership, would bring lasting reforms.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, highlighted the massive economic benefits of livestock development, referencing Brazil as a model Nigeria must emulate. He stressed that the sector presents immense untapped opportunities and urged stakeholders to work together in harnessing them.
“Nigeria has all it takes to become a livestock powerhouse. With the right policies and dedication, we can attract investors and create wealth for our people.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Akunjobi, assured the board of unwavering government support in areas such as technical skill development, training, and retraining of personnel.
“We must equip our workforce with modern veterinary knowledge to compete globally and drive sectoral growth,” Akunjobi stated.He also praised Minister Maiha as a seasoned practitioner and a key stakeholder capable of attracting investors to the livestock sector.
The 12-member board consists of professionals from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria, and Directors of Veterinary Services from top institutions nationwide.
Their collective expertise is expected to drive meaningful reforms and position Nigeria’s livestock industry for global competitiveness.
With the Veterinary Council and the Federal Government working in tandem, the future looks bright for Nigeria’s livestock sector—one that promises food security, economic prosperity, and job creation for millions.
