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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) has raised the alarm over the abuse of veterinary drugs and proliferation of quacks in the sector, warning that such practices could worsen antimicrobial resistance in animals and ultimately destroy them.
NVMA also complained about what it called structural neglect and suggested a full implementation of the National Veterinary Policy, adequate staffing of veterinary departments at both state and local government levels and sustainable funding for critical interventions.
Its National President, Moses Arokoyo, highlighted the hiccups at the recent World Veterinary Day 2026, with the theme: ‘Veterinarians; Guardians of Food & Health.’
As a way out, he suggested routine vaccination programmes, abattoir rehabilitation, and antimicrobial resistance surveillance, warning that failure to address these gaps could expose the country to preventable disease outbreaks, food security risks and grave economic losses.
Arokoyo stressed the need for stricter regulation, professional accountability and stronger mentorship for young veterinarians.
He described veterinarians as the backbone of food safety and disease prevention operating in an increasingly complex global health environment.
According to him, veterinary professionals play a central role across Nigeria’s entire food value chain, from livestock production and disease prevention to abattoir inspection, laboratory diagnostics, surveillance systems to policy advisory functions.
“From farm to fork, from laboratory to legislation, the veterinary profession underpins the safety, security and sustainability of food systems while standing as the first line of defence against zoonotic disease threats,” he said.
More so, pointed out that the world is now firmly operating within a one health framework, as diseases can move rapidly between animals and humans with environmental factors accelerating transmission.
He said veterinarians are increasingly central to outbreak containment, food safety assurance, vaccination programmes, and surveillance systems designed to prevent pandemics before they emerge.
This shift, he noted, makes Veterinary Medicine not a supporting function but a core pillar of national health security.
“Let today be more than a commemoration. Let it be a recommitment to excellence, to One Health, and to the people and animals we serve,” he added.
