The Federal Government has intensified efforts to transform Nigeria’s livestock sector with the rollout of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NLGAS), an initiative designed to drive productivity, improve animal health and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Speaking during the handing over of a newly constructed and equipped Primary Animal Health Centre at Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idimukhtar Micha, represented by the Director, Animal Health and Reproductive Service in the Ministry, Dr. Mitchell Alao, said animal health remained a critical pillar of the programme, alongside modern practices such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer and improved breeding techniques aimed at increasing meat and milk production.
Hon. Micha explained that while advancements in breeding were essential, they could not deliver optimal results without a strong animal healthcare system, pointing out that a total of 774 clinics are to be constructed, one in each local government area across the country to ensure that livestock farmers have easy access to veterinary services within their communities, out of which some had already been completed and inspected, with some ready for commissioning.
“These clinics are not just structures, they are strategic investments in the future of livestock production across the country,” he said.
The Minister noted that the uniform design of facilities across the country would guarantee standard service delivery , adding that the handing over ceremony marked a significant transition, as ownership, control and management of the facilities were officially transferred from the Federal Government to State governments, to ensure effective management, sustainability and long-term impact.
He said that the State veterinary departments under their respective Ministries of Agriculture would now be responsible for staffing, operations, maintenance and security of the clinics, highlighting that the initiative would enhance disease surveillance, prevention and control, while also boosting livestock productivity and improving the livelihoods of rural farmers.
He further stressed the importance of ownership by State governments, noting that taking responsibility for the facilities would encourage better management and overall success of the NLGAS framework, signaling a renewed commitment to modernising Nigeria’s livestock industry and ensuring food security.
In his acceptance speech, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, represented by the Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, Dr. Tade Adeniyi, reaffirmed the commitment of the State government to sustaining the newly handed-over facility, describing the development as a clear recognition of the State's role in advancing livestock services and animal health management
Owotomo, noted that the project reflected the collective contributions of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, State Ministry of Agricultural and Food Security and other stakeholders, all working together to reposition the sector.
Addressing newly deployed staff to the facility, he emphasised that their duties extended beyond usual routines, stressing that safeguarding animal health and protecting public health must remain top priority.
The Commissioner further explained that veterinary practice was not limited to treatment alone, but also encompasses disease prevention, improved livestock productivity and the protection of farmers livelihoods, urging veterinary doctors, technologists and laboratory assistants to demonstrate empathy and dedication in handling animals and engaging with livestock farmers.
He promised that the facility would be effectively used to deliver maximum impact, noting that deliberate efforts would be made to keep the facility functional, productive and beneficial by strengthening disease surveillance systems, promoting biosecurity practices, enhancing public awareness and improving service delivery in animal healthcare.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ayo- Ajayi, disclosed that the center was equipped with modern facilities, including a hydraulic surgical table, Examination table, incubator, water steriliser, incinerator, kernel, drawer cabinet and a generator, among others.