Minister Inaugurates VCN Board, Calls for Livestock Sector Innovation

Daniel Adaji, Abuja

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, has urged the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) to collaborate with key stakeholders to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector.

Speaking on Wednesday, at the inauguration of the 12th VCN Board and newly elected Principal Officers in Abuja, Maiha emphasized the need for innovation in peacebuilding, feed and fodder development, capacity building, disease-free zones, and research and development.

“I want to reiterate that the VCN, as one of the foremost regulatory agencies of government, has a critical role to play in advancing the livestock sector. The task ahead calls for utmost commitment and dedication,” he stated.

Maiha urged the new board to build on past achievements and strengthen the Council’s regulatory functions. He reassured members of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to making the livestock sector a key driver of food security, poverty reduction, revenue generation, and public health improvement.

Highlighting disease control as a priority, he called for enhanced surveillance against zoonotic diseases such as Ebola, COVID-19, Lassa Fever, Monkeypox, and anthrax.

Acknowledging the Council’s financial constraints, Maiha assured that efforts were ongoing to restore its budgetary allocations, recognizing its critical role in veterinary regulation and public health.

In a goodwill message, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, advocated innovative strategies to reposition the sector.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, stressed the importance of synergy among Council members to drive progress.

VCN President, Professor Matthew Adamu, echoed the call for collaboration, emphasizing the need for collective effort to advance veterinary practice and boost livestock productivity.