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.
Speaking while receiving the WOAH delegation led by Bouna Diop in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the mission as 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.
Plateau Set for Livestock Revolution as FG Pushes Dairy Expansion
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, the Minister recalled that the last PVS Evaluation Mission conducted in 2019 provided a comprehensive roadmap for improving Veterinary Services in Nigeria, offering recommendations across 45 critical competencies required for an effective veterinary system.
According to him, the Federal Government has since implemented wide-ranging reforms aimed at addressing identified gaps and strengthening the country’s veterinary architecture.
Among the notable achievements, he highlighted the development of the National Roadmap for Veterinary Services in Nigeria, describing it as one of the most inclusive and consultative initiatives in the history of the nation’s animal health sector.
He explained that the process brought together veterinary authorities, academic institutions, research organisations, professional bodies, private practitioners, livestock producers, development partners, and other key stakeholders to collectively chart a sustainable path for the sector.
The Minister stressed that the follow-up mission goes beyond evaluation, providing an opportunity for constructive engagement, mutual learning, and continuous improvement. He noted that the exercise reflects Nigeria’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and evidence-based reforms.
“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.
Responding on behalf of the WOAH delegation, Dr. Diop commended Nigeria’s decision to subject its Veterinary Services to independent assessment, describing the move as a hallmark of a nation committed to meaningful reform and continuous improvement.
He noted that the mission is designed to support collaboration rather than inspection, emphasizing that the global landscape has changed considerably since the last evaluation in 2019.
According to him, evolving challenges related to food security, animal health, and international trade require countries to maintain agile, adequately resourced, and effective veterinary systems.
Dr. Diop added that the mission would generate objective evidence to support policy formulation, attract investments, and further strengthen Nigeria’s standing as a leader in animal health, livestock development, and sustainable food systems.
MinistercVisits ADIFAL, Sets Agenda for Nigeria’s Livestock Sector
The PVS Follow-Up Mission is expected to culminate in a set of 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.