Nigeria establishes 21 modern veterinary hospitals

The Nigerian Federal Government has established 21 model veterinary hospitals across various states to combat animal diseases, improve food safety, and increase livestock productivity. This initiative is part of the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).

Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, announced the project during the commissioning of a facility in Ondo State. He noted that the hospitals are equipped with surgical theatres, diagnostic laboratories, pharmacies, and X-ray and ultrasound units. The project aims to reposition the livestock industry as a significant driver of economic growth, food security, and employment.

To ensure accessibility, the government intends to extend interventions to the remaining 15 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a long-term goal of establishing functional clinics in every local government area. Maiha also highlighted a critical shortage of veterinary personnel, noting that the current ratio of one doctor per 10,000 animals is inadequate for meeting national and international meat quality standards.