Experts call for global standards in livestock researchBy Ibrahim Aliyu
Veterinary professionals and regulatory stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to align Nigeria’s veterinary research framework with global best practices by mandating the allocation of a defined percentage of animals slaughtered nationwide for scientific research.
The call was made by a PPR Specialist Epidemiologist with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Professor at the University of Pretoria, Professor Folorunso Fasina during the 2026 retreat of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) held in Abuja.
Professor Fasina explained that such a policy would significantly enhance disease surveillance, strengthen public health protection, and promote evidence-based livestock development across the country.
He commended the Federal Government for the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a strategic step toward repositioning the livestock sector, while emphasizing the statutory importance of the veterinary profession in safeguarding national animal and human health.
Professor Fasina further underscored the critical role of ethical regulation and accountability in veterinary practice, drawing attention to international models where veterinarians subscribe to professional indemnity insurance to address cases of negligence or malpractice.
According to Professor Fasina, Nigeria remains privileged to operate within a functional veterinary regulatory framework, particularly when compared with some African countries that lack veterinary councils or where veterinary leadership positions are occupied by non-veterinarians.
Placing the profession within the broader national policy environment, Professor Fasina linked veterinary regulation and services to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes economic recovery, social inclusion, and national security.
He urged veterinary professionals and regulatory personnel to deliberately align their activities with these national objectives, ensuring that their contributions to public health, disease control, food safety, and livestock development are visible, measurable, and impactful.
Also speaking at the retreat, the Chief Veterinary Officer of the Federation, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, emphasized the need for accountability, innovation, and proactive engagement within the veterinary sector.
He cited recent federal interventions, including urgent directives from the Minister of Livestock Development for the procurement of anti-rabies vaccines following reported cases in Benue State, as evidence that veterinary activities are receiving increased attention at the highest levels of government.
In his remarks, the Acting Registrar of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, Dr. Fadipe Oladotun, stressed that the transformation of the Council into a world-class regulatory body must begin with a change in mindset.
He described the retreat as a vital step toward institutional renewal, noting that while the process may not be flawless, it represents meaningful progress toward strengthening regulation, professionalism, and service delivery within the veterinary sector.
Independent journalism, sustained by readers like you.
The Parliament Diary is published by The Parliament Cable Network Service Limited. Your support helps us keep covering governance, parliamentary affairs and grassroots politics across Nigeria.