By Stephen Adeleye
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) Kogi State Chapter, has called for better welfare and urgent recruitment of more vets into the civil service, saying fewer than 10,000 veterinarians serve over 200 million Nigerians.
The NVMA Kogi Chairman, Dr Tolu Samuel Omotugba, made the call while speaking after a road walk on Saturday in Lokoja, to mark World Veterinary Day 2026 themed, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health”.
Omotugba said vets are overstretched despite safeguarding food safety and public health.
“Nigeria has fewer than 10,000 veterinarians serving over 200 million citizens. A veterinarian essentially puts his life on the line for the rest of the country,” he said.
He said Kogi vets report to abattoirs by 5:30 a.m. daily to certify meat and milk, but face poor labs and welfare.
The association appealed to Gov. Ahmed Ododo to approve a N300,000 monthly stipend already paid to medical doctors.
“The Governor assured us he would approve it. We are still looking forward to that approval,” Omotugba said.
He warned against quacks, citing cases where wrong antibiotics caused antimicrobial resistance affecting humans.
“We have shut down several outlets operated by quacks, arrested and charged some to court,” he said.
He added that the NVMA would meet drug vendors April 29 to enforce regulations.
Omotugba praised colleagues for “rising by 6am daily to inspect abattoirs” and “standing guard so animal diseases do not cross over to humans.”
“To every veterinarian: thank you for your sacrifice. The nation eats safe and stays healthy because you do your job. Happy World Veterinary Day,” Omotugba said.
In his remarks, Commissioner for Livestock Development Dr Olufemi Bolarin, commended veterinarians and animal health workers for their dedication despite “challenging conditions.”
He described the veterinarians as “true guardians of food and health” and urged farmers, private sector players, and development partners to collaborate for a safer livestock industry.
“Veterinarians stand at the frontline of disease prevention. Their expertise is essential in combating zoonotic diseases and ensuring safe, wholesome food,” he said.
He said the Gov. Ahmed Ododo administration has prioritised animal health services, mass vaccination, capacity building, and stronger surveillance.
“Healthy animals lead to healthy people and a stronger economy,” Bolarin noted.
He disclosed that Notra Tractor Denmark and the Arab Consortium, Cairo, Egypt, plan to set up a Model Livestock City in Kogi, with support expected for World Veterinary Day 2027.
He assured that the state would sponsor at least 10 veterinarians to the NVMA annual conference and reactivate neglected livestock control posts, he announced.
The NVMA members walked from Ganaja Flyover through Zenith Bank Junction and Government House to the Ministry of Livestock Development in Lokoja.
