The minister of livestock development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has called for the immediate restoration of budgetary allocations to the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), describing the issue as urgent and of national importance.
Speaking during a briefing by the VCN president, Dr Aishatu Baju, Maiha expressed shock over the year-long suspension of staff salaries and pledged to address the funding shortfall.
He emphasised the council’s vital role as a regulatory body responsible for maintaining standards in the livestock sector and ensuring compliance.
“The Veterinary Council is the regulatory authority for the sector, not an association. It sets standards, ensures compliance, and supports accreditation of veterinary faculties,” Maiha stated.
He also highlighted the need for humane treatment of animals and proposed awareness campaigns to improve practices in transportation and handling.
Dr. Baju stressed the need for targeted funding to strengthen veterinary education and professionalism.
“We need interventions to raise university standards and produce quality veterinary professionals,” she said.
The VCN, Nigeria’s oldest regulatory agency, oversees ethical standards in veterinary practice and offers postgraduate training through the College of Veterinary Surgeons Nigeria.
These efforts have positioned the council as a regional leader in veterinary education.
Maiha reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a sustainable livestock sector and urged collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges, stating, “The time for action is now.”
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