The Veterinary Council of Nigeria has expressed grave concern over the persistent shortage of manpower in the country’s veterinary services, urging the government to invest in veterinary training institutions and employ more veterinary professionals to enhance service delivery and stimulate the national economy.
This call to action was made by the President of the Council, Professor Matthew Adamu, alongside various stakeholders during the 2025 World Veterinary Day celebration, which was held in Enugu in collaboration with the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization.
Professor Adamu commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his significant investments in the agricultural sector, particularly highlighting the multi-billion naira ranch project in the livestock unit.
He stated, “If we harnessed the resources at our disposal, we will do better,” emphasising the potential of livestock investment to generate substantial revenue.
He cited Lagos State as an example, noting that “the Lagos State government collects N4000 from each N4,500 paid on every cow slaughtered in Lagos slaughterhouses.”
During the event, Professor Adamu also inducted veterinary para-professionals in the state, urging them to work collaboratively and to practise within their limitations.
He advised, “As you come into the veterinary profession, please practise within the limit. If you have complicated issues, do a referral. We have a teaching hospital where we have experts that will take up the case(s).”
In his address, Governor Peter Mbah outlined his administration’s commitment to transforming animal health and ensuring food security across the state and the nation.
Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Patrick Ubru, the governor stated, “World Veterinary Day is a day dedicated to acknowledge the relentless commitment and excellence of veterinary professionals across the globe.”
He further noted that this year’s theme, “Animal Health Takes a Team,” encapsulates the necessary collaboration among various stakeholders, asserting that “together, we are driving a transformative agenda that bolsters not only animal health but also our nation’s agriculture and food security.”
Governor Mbah praised the leadership of the NVMA for their efforts, stating, “Your unwavering support and visionary leadership fortify our shared mission for excellence in animal health care.”
He also celebrated the certification of para-veterinary graduates from the State Veterinary School and Investigation Centre, Achi, as a significant milestone.
He elaborated on the transformative projects initiated by his administration, including the Enugu State Anti-Open Grazing and Ranching Control Acts, the revamping of the School of Veterinary and Investigation Center, and the construction of the South East Regional Veterinary Reference Hospital.
He remarked, “This pioneering project is set to become a regional benchmark for excellence in veterinary care.”
Dr. Moses Arokovo, President of the NVMA, represented by Dr. Gloria Daminabo, acknowledged the importance of collaboration in sustaining animal health systems, stating, “Our collaborative strength lies in our ability to work together across disciplines and borders.” He also highlighted the association’s efforts in advocating for better animal health policies and addressing challenges such as unemployment and inadequate veterinary infrastructure.
Dr. Godwin Abonyi, Chairman of the occasion, commended Governor Mbah for his transformative strides in the agricultural sector, while Dr. Joseph Iloh, Chairman of the NVMA Enugu State chapter, also lamented the inadequate number of veterinary professionals across the 17 local government areas, calling for increased recruitment of veterinary staff.
