Jide Akinseye
At a paper presentation during the ministerial stakeholders’ roundtable, made available to journalists.
THE Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has called for tougher regulation of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VMPs) and stronger enforcement against substandard pharmaceuticals, warning that the proliferation of unauthorised veterinary drugs is threatening the poultry industry and food security.
The association calls on the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to expand regulatory framework beyond marketing and use of veterinary medicines to cover the entire value chain, including importation, local production, circulation, sales and administration of the products.
Led by the national president of PAN, Sunday Ezeobiora, who described the poultry sector, as a multi-billion-naira investment and a pillar of national food security, is facing significant challenges due to the widespread use of counterfeit and substandard drugs.
The association noted that despite government intervention, poultry farmers continue to suffer heavy losses resulting from drug failure and ineffective veterinary treatments caused by questionable pharmaceutical products.
According to him , unauthorised medicinal products have resulted in increased bird mortality, stunted growth, reduced egg production and the collapse.
It further warned that the use of substandard drugs poses serious public health risks, as residues in poultry meat and eggs could harm consumers.
The Association further stated that dependence on unauthorised medicines could weaken Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international markets, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Recurring disease outbreaks and poor treatment outcomes according to the Association have also eroded trust between poultry farmers and veterinary professionals, creating frustration within the industry.
PAN therefore calls for strict enforcement of existing laws regulating veterinary medicinal products, particularly the Animal Diseases (Control) Act 2022, which prohibits the importation of veterinary biologics and medicinal products without permits issued by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria.
It also advocate for the establishment of a functional National Veterinary Formulary to serve as a standard reference for regulating medicines and ensuring that both imported and locally produced products meet safety and efficacy requirements.
PAN also made know the importance of regulating local production of veterinary medicines, noting that current regulations often focus on importation while neglecting unauthorised local manufacturing.
The association urged government agencies to collaborate in developing a comprehensive regulatory framework that would ensure proper verification and authorisation of locally produced veterinary drugs before they reach the market.
It further called for improved veterinary accountability and capacity development, particularly at the state and local government levels, to strengthen monitoring of veterinary premises and eliminate unqualified administration of veterinary medicines.
PAN recommended that only accredited veterinarians and paraveterinarians be allowed to administer specialised veterinary medicinal products in order to curb what it described as pharmaceutical quackery.
The association further advocated nationwide sensitisation campaigns to educate farmers on the dangers of unauthorised veterinary drugs and the risks associated with unqualified animal health workers.
It also urged the government to impose strict penalties on individuals and organisations involved in the production and sale of fake veterinary medicines.
PAN stressed that addressing the problem would require sustainable funding to support regulatory enforcement, development of a national veterinary formulary and public awareness programmes.
The association proposed the development of a medium- to long-term action plan covering 2026 to 2031 to ensure sustained intervention against substandard veterinary medicines.
PAN pledged to partner with the Ministry of Livestock Development and other stakeholders to combat the proliferation of unauthorised veterinary medicinal products and strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector.
The association said such collaboration would help safeguard investments, protect public health and ensure the long-term sustainability of the poultry industry.
