Nigeria Advances Livestock Health Strategy Amid Herd Migration Crisis

From April 27‑30, senior officials, veterinary experts and development partners gathered in Abuja to validate Nigeria’s National Roadmap for Veterinary Services (2027‑2036). The ten‑year plan, endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, aims to modernise animal health systems, improve vaccination delivery, expand animal identification and traceability, and strengthen disease preparedness through a One Health approach. Key participants included Minister of Livestock Development Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Samuel Anzaku and virologist Professor Oyewale Tomori.

At the same time, insecurity and loss of grazing routes are forcing thousands of Fulani herders to move their livestock across Nigeria’s borders into Cameroon, Chad, Niger and other Central African states. Herders cite Boko Haram attacks, banditry, cattle rustling and the conversion of traditional pastures to farmland as drivers of the migration. Mahmuda Muhammad reported relocating with over 1,000 cattle to Cameroon, while Abubakar Yolar Margami is heading toward Niger’s Ngabuji reserve in search of grazing land.