Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
The Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Anambra State Chapter, has renewed its call for the establishment of a Ministry of Veterinary Services and Livestock Development, warning that the absence of a dedicated ministry is hampering livestock development, disease control and food security in the state.
The association said creating the ministry would provide the institutional focus needed for effective planning, funding, policy implementation, research and innovation in the livestock sector, which it described as a critical pillar of the state’s economy.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Anambra Livestock Expo 2026, held at the Nnewi North Local Government Secretariat under the theme, “Ensuring and Sustaining the Availability of Animal Protein in the Diet of Our Local Communities.”
The communiqué was jointly signed by the State Chairman of the association, Dr. Victor Ughaerumba, and the Assistant Secretary, Dr. Favour Okwaraeke.
According to the association, despite ongoing engagements with government officials, the state still lacks a dedicated ministry to drive livestock production, strengthen veterinary services and improve surveillance and control of animal diseases.
The veterinarians observed that the current agricultural structure gives greater attention to crop production while livestock development, veterinary public health, animal welfare and disease prevention receive inadequate attention.
Speaking on behalf of the association, Dr. Ughaerumba acknowledged the efforts of the Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture but stressed that the livestock sector requires a separate institutional framework because of its strategic role in food security, nutrition and economic development.
He said the creation of a Ministry of Veterinary Services and Livestock Development would mark a major turning point for the sector by boosting livestock productivity, creating jobs, increasing farmers’ incomes and strengthening the state’s capacity to prevent and control animal diseases.
The association also expressed concern over the poor state of government veterinary clinics across Anambra, calling for their urgent rehabilitation through the provision of qualified personnel, essential medicines, diagnostic equipment and improved operational support.
It rather urged the state government to establish modern abattoirs fitted with standard slaughter facilities, cold-chain systems, effective waste management infrastructure and efficient veterinary meat inspection services to guarantee food safety.
The veterinarians also appealed to the government to provide operational vehicles to improve field operations, disease surveillance and emergency response across the state.
According to the association, adequate logistics would enhance its ability to support government efforts in protecting animal health, safeguarding public health, ensuring food safety and improving livestock productivity.
The NVMA maintained that investing in veterinary services and livestock development is no longer optional but essential for ensuring a stable supply of animal protein, strengthening the agricultural economy and protecting the health of both animals and humans in Anambra State.
