Federal government has stepped up efforts to eradicate rabies in Nigeria by deploying vaccination teams to eight high-risk states, as part of the ongoing Nationwide Rabies Vaccination Campaign launched by the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha.
The exercise, held simultaneously yesterday across Bauchi, Cross River, the Federal Capital Territory, Gombe, Kano, Lagos, Osun, and Plateau States, reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to the global target of eliminating rabies by 2030.
Leading the ministry’s delegation to Plateau State, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), Dr Samuel Anzaku, flagged off the vaccination at Bassa Local Government Area—one of the state’s most affected communities.
Dr Anzaku urged stronger collaboration among state governments, veterinary professionals, and communities to achieve a rabies-free Nigeria.
“The theme of this year’s campaign, ‘You, Me, and Community,’ underscores that government efforts alone cannot eliminate rabies. It is a shared responsibility and a collective investment in the safety of our communities,” he said.
He disclosed that 26,000 doses of anti-rabies vaccines have been procured for distribution to eight high-risk states under the Ministry’s One Health framework. Plateau State received 3,000 doses, while 1,200 were allocated to the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital to boost vaccination and surveillance.
Plateau State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Sunday Akpa, and Chairman of Bassa Local Government, Dr Joshua Sunday Riti, commended the Federal Government for the initiative and pledged full support to sustain the campaign.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, the Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Prof. Lami Hannatu Lombin, revealed that Bassa LGA recorded 25 rabies cases in 2025, including 12 deaths, among them a family of three who died after dog bites.
Describing the incident as “deeply tragic,” Prof. Lombin stressed the urgency of intensified vaccination and awareness campaigns to prevent further fatalities. She thanked the Ministry for its intervention and assured judicious use of the vaccines.
Notable dignitaries at the event included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock Matters, Dr Markus Avory; Executive Assistant to the Governor, Efficiency Unit, Hon. Gideon Agaldo; Executive Director, NVRI, Dr Nicholas Nwankpa; Plateau NMA Chairman, Dr Kumtap Yilji Cashmir; and NVMA Chairman, Dr Pam Luka.
Royal fathers, district, and village heads also attended the flag-off, pledging community support for the campaign.
The Ministry’s delegation later inspected one of six cold-room facilities donated by the Norwegian Refugee Council for vaccine storage in the state.
