Kogi veterinarians Demand Better Welfare, Recruitment Amid Workforce Shortage

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Kogi State chapter, has called for improved welfare and urgent recruitment of more veterinarians into the civil service, warning that fewer than 10,000 vets are serving Nigeria’s population of over 200 million.

The call was made by the Kogi State chairman of the association, Dr Tolu Omotugba.

Omotugba made the call on Saturday in Lokoja during a road walk to mark World Veterinary Day 2026, themed “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health.”

Omotugba said veterinarians in the country are overstretched despite playing a critical role in safeguarding food safety and public health.

“Nigeria has fewer than 10,000 veterinarians serving over 200 million citizens. A veterinarian essentially puts his life on the line for the rest of the country,” he said.

He noted that veterinarians in Kogi report to abattoirs as early as 5:30 a.m. daily to certify meat and milk for public consumption, yet operate under poor laboratory conditions and inadequate welfare packages.

The association appealed to Governor Ahmed Ododo to approve a N300,000 monthly stipend for veterinarians—similar to what is already being paid to medical doctors in the state.

“The Governor assured us he would approve it. We are still looking forward to that approval,” Omotugba added.

He also raised concerns over the activities of quacks in the sector, warning that the misuse of antibiotics has contributed to antimicrobial resistance, posing risks to human health.

“We have shut down several outlets operated by quacks, arrested some offenders, and charged them to court,” he said, adding that the association would meet with drug vendors on April 29 to strengthen regulatory enforcement.

Omotugba commended his colleagues for their dedication, noting that many rise as early as 6 a.m. daily to inspect abattoirs and prevent animal diseases from spreading to humans.

“To every veterinarian: thank you for your sacrifice. The nation eats safe and stays healthy because you do your job. Happy World Veterinary Day,” he said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr. Olufemi Bolarin, praised veterinarians and animal health workers for their resilience despite challenging working conditions.

He described them as “true guardians of food and health” and called for stronger collaboration among farmers, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to ensure a safer livestock industry.

“Veterinarians stand at the frontline of disease prevention. Their expertise is essential in combating zoonotic diseases and ensuring safe, wholesome food,” Bolarin said.

He added that the administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo has prioritised animal health services through mass vaccination programmes, capacity building, and enhanced disease surveillance.

“Healthy animals lead to healthy people and a stronger economy,” he noted.

Bolarin further disclosed that Notra Tractor Denmark, in partnership with the Arab Consortium based in Cairo, Egypt, plans to establish a Model Livestock City in Kogi State, with additional support expected for World Veterinary Day 2027.

He assured that the state government would sponsor at least 10 veterinarians to the NVMA annual conference and reactivate neglected livestock control posts.

Members of the NVMA marked the day with a road walk from Ganaja Flyover through Zenith Bank Junction and Government House to the Ministry of Livestock Development in Lokoja.