FG to Boost Livestock Production, Combat Quackery with Launch of National Veterinary License

Gilbert Ekugbe

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has restated its commitment to boost livestock production with the launch of a Digitised National Veterinary Practice License (DNVPL), the Veterinary App, the Veterinary Seal, and the Geo-Mapping of the Veterinary practice premises in the federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said: “I believe we can change the narrative if the quality of our veterinary services is improved and the menace of quackery is checked.

“The introduction of the DNVPL, the Veterinary Seal and the Geo-Mapping of Veterinary Practice Premises will greatly reduce quackery in Nigeria and thereby increase productivity in our livestock sector. Indeed, it is only the qualified and registered Veterinarians who are up to date in practice that will be issued with the license and the seal.”  

According to Kyari, the ministry has identified the need for a comprehensive livestock development programme and has initiated the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), which would allow issues of diseases and pests control services to be handled with keen interest to guarantee the protection of national herds and flocks against the burden of diseases, thereby preserving the livestock resources for improved livestock production and productivity.

He added that the ministry is committed to ensuring the development of a robust livestock sub sector in the country considering the importance to global food security and contributions to poverty reduction, adding that livestock production serves as source of livelihood for many especially the rural women and youths and provides opportunities for private sector investors.

“I call on the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), other professionals in the livestock sub-sector, private investors as well as our development partners and donors to fully participate and support in the upcoming first national summit on Agriculture and food Security in Nigeria so that we can collectively co-create the future of a national sustainable food system. 

“Furthermore, we understand that disease control cannot be left in the hands of the public veterinarians alone without the complement and participation of veterinarians in the private sector. Therefore, we are strengthening their participation in animal health management system. So, I urge you all to work together for the interest of our national food security emergency and strategic growth of the livestock industry in Nigeria,” he urged.