By Simeon Shodimu
As the world marks World Veterinary Day 2026, Nigeria’s veterinary professionals have issued a stark warning: the country’s food systems, public health safety, and environmental stability are under mounting threat. Beneath the surface of everyday life, they say, a silent crisis is unfolding—one that could have far-reaching consequences if urgent action is not taken.
At the centre of this alarm is the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), whose National President, Dr. Moses Arokoyo, has called for a fundamental shift in how Nigeria views and invests in veterinary services. Far from being a peripheral sector, he argues, veterinary medicine is the backbone of national survival—bridging the critical intersection of animal health, human wellbeing, and environmental safety.
“From farm to fork, from laboratory to legislation, veterinary medicine underpins food safety and national health security,” Arokoyo stated, warning that Nigeria’s continued neglect of the sector is creating dangerous blind spots in disease prevention and food regulation.
A system under pressure
According to the NVMA, Nigeria is grappling with a convergence of modern threats—climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging zoonotic diseases—that are rapidly tightening the link between animals and humans. In this evolving “One Health” era, diseases no longer respect boundaries, moving swiftly across species and environments.
Yet, despite these realities, veterinary services remain underfunded and poorly integrated into national planning. One of the most pressing gaps, the association notes, is the absence of reliable livestock data. Without a comprehensive national livestock census, policymakers are effectively operating in the dark—unable to accurately plan vaccination drives, monitor outbreaks, or allocate resources efficiently.
“If it is not measured, it does not exist in policy,” Arokoyo warned, describing the lack of data as a “silent crisis” undermining both preparedness and investment.
Fragmentation and rising risks
The NVMA also highlighted systemic fragmentation within Nigeria’s health and food safety architecture. Disconnected institutions and siloed operations, it said, are weakening the country’s ability to respond to emergencies effectively.
While advancements such as digital disease reporting and portable diagnostics offer hope, the association cautioned that innovation without proper regulation could worsen existing vulnerabilities. Of particular concern is the rise in quackery and the misuse of veterinary drugs—especially antibiotics—fueling the global threat of antimicrobial resistance.
“This is not just a veterinary issue,” Arokoyo stressed. “It is a national survival issue.”
A call for urgent investment
In response, the NVMA is demanding the full implementation of Nigeria’s National Veterinary Policy, alongside increased funding for vaccination programmes, disease surveillance, and the rehabilitation of abattoirs. It is also calling for stronger recruitment and deployment of veterinary professionals at all levels of government.
Failure to act, the association warned, could expose Nigeria to preventable disease outbreaks, deepen food insecurity, and trigger significant economic losses in the livestock sector.
“Employ us to protect Nigeria”
Beyond policy and funding, the message from Nigeria’s veterinarians is clear: they are ready to serve—but need to be empowered to do so.
“Employ us to safeguard Nigerians. Employ us to do our job,” Arokoyo appealed, underscoring the profession’s often overlooked role in maintaining national stability.
As World Veterinary Day 2026 is commemorated worldwide, Nigeria faces a defining question—whether it will continue to sideline a profession that quietly protects its food, health, and future, or finally recognise veterinarians as the frontline defenders they truly are.
