The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector through investments in animal health, veterinary services, and international collaboration against transboundary zoonotic diseases.
Maiha made this known while addressing the Ministerial Roundtable at the 93rd World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) General Session in Paris, France.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s dedication to enhancing animal health infrastructure and strengthening partnerships to combat diseases that cross borders and affect both animals and humans.
He emphasized that improving veterinary services and disease surveillance systems remains critical to protecting Nigeria’s livestock industry and safeguarding public health.
Nigeria also advocated for stronger disease intelligence systems, early warning mechanisms, and health surveillance to strengthen the One Health Approach, which recognizes the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health.
Discussions at the session focused on strategies for controlling Foot and Mouth Disease and High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza (HPAI), both of which pose significant threats to livestock production and food security.
Nigeria’s participation at the WOAH General Session reflects the government’s recognition of the livestock sector’s importance to national food security, economic development, and rural livelihoods.
The Ministry of Livestock Development has identified strengthening animal health systems as a priority for transforming the sector and improving productivity across the country.
Two distinguished Nigerians, Junaidu Maina and Nick Nwakpa, received the WOAH Meritorious Service Award during the session in recognition of their outstanding contributions to veterinary services, animal health, and public health promotion.
The awards underscore Nigeria’s growing influence in global animal health governance and the expertise of Nigerian professionals in advancing veterinary medicine and disease control.
The One Health Approach advocated by Nigeria promotes collaborative efforts between veterinary services, human health agencies, and environmental protection bodies to address health challenges that affect multiple sectors.
Nigeria’s commitment to international collaboration on animal health comes as countries worldwide face increasing threats from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases that can spread rapidly across borders.
