FG, veterinary council move to curb malpractices in livestock sector
By Felicia Imohimi
Abuja, Jan. 28, 2026 (NAN) The Federal Government has pledged to collaborate with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) and other stakeholders to curb unwholesome practices in the poultry and livestock sector.
Dr Samuel Anzaku, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja at a three-day training and retreat organised by the VCN for its staff.
The training has as its theme: “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Role of the VCN.”
Anzaku expressed concern over the rising cases of illicit practices in the sector, including activities of quacks and some day-old chick producers and hatcheries who short-change farmers.
He stressed that addressing such malpractices required strong collaboration between the Federal Government and the VCN as the regulator of veterinary practice.
According to him, other critical stakeholders such as the NVMA, state directors of veterinary services and private sector players must also be involved.
“By the time we work collectively, we should be able to ameliorate malpractices and unwholesome practices by whoever is involved,” he said.
The CVON said the training would equip VCN staff with the knowledge required to improve service delivery, noting that ignorance of duties and responsibilities could impede efficiency in public service.
“The training gives them a clear idea of what they ought to do for efficient service delivery, not just to uplift the Veterinary Council but for the overall improvement of animal healthcare delivery in the country,” he added.
Speaking on the training, Dr Oladotun Fadipe, Acting Registrar of the VCN, said it was organised to align the council and its staff with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for effective service delivery.
According to him, alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda is essential for institutional success.
Fadipe disclosed that despite not receiving Federal Government funding for two years, the council developed a strategic plan in 2025 to guide its operations.
“Focus is very important in life, and speed is of no essence when you are in the wrong direction. That is why we decided to come together and align ourselves with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Also speaking, Prof. Folorunso Fasina, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Specialist in Epidemiology at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), described Nigerian veterinarians as among the best trained in Africa, accounting for the second-highest number on the continent.
However, he noted that many were denied opportunities outside the country due to gaps in best practices and regulation.
“If the VCN is able to regulate the profession effectively and produce quality graduates, our veterinarians will have opportunities to practise beyond our environment,” he said.
Fasina added that having the second-largest number of veterinarians in Africa was a major asset that should be harnessed through collective commitment to best practices.
Meanwhile, Dr Chinnaemeka Joe-Iruobe, Chairperson of the FCT chapter of the NVMA and a poultry farmer, identified food security as a priority and urged farmers to adopt probiotics in poultry production.
According to her, proper management from the day-old chick stage would ensure the production of wholesome food in the country.
“If all stakeholders collaborate with the VCN, we will safeguard the health of the populace,” she said.
Joe-Iruobe called for the collective implementation of legislation aimed at addressing unwholesome practices in veterinary service delivery nationwide.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FUA/TAK
Edited by Tosin Kolade
