Abuja: The Federal Government has committed to working with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), and other stakeholders to tackle unethical practices in the poultry and livestock industry. Dr. Samuel Anzaku, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, announced this during a three-day training and retreat organized by the VCN for its staff in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Anzaku highlighted concerns about the increasing incidents of malpractice in the sector, including the actions of unqualified individuals and certain hatcheries that exploit farmers. He emphasized that resolving these issues requires a robust collaboration between the Federal Government and the VCN, which oversees veterinary practices. Anzaku also called for the involvement of other key stakeholders such as the NVMA, state directors of veterinary services, and private sector participants to collectively mitigate these malpractices.
He explained that the training session aims to equip VCN staff with the necessary knowledge to enhance service delivery, pointing out that a lack of understanding of duties can hinder public service efficiency. Dr. Oladotun Fadipe, Acting Registrar of the VCN, stated that the training aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is crucial for the council’s effective service delivery. Despite not receiving government funding for two years, the VCN devised a strategic plan in 2025 to guide its operations.
Prof. Folorunso Fasina from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) noted that Nigerian veterinarians are among the best trained in Africa, but face limitations abroad due to regulatory gaps. He emphasized the importance of the VCN’s role in producing quality graduates to expand opportunities for Nigerian veterinarians. Dr. Chinnaemeka Joe-Iruobe, Chairperson of the FCT chapter of the NVMA, highlighted the importance of food security and urged the adoption of probiotics in poultry production to ensure healthy food supply. She advocated for the collective implementation of legislation to address malpractice in veterinary services nationwide.