By Stella Okpalaeze
The Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Anambra State Chapter, has called on the Anambra State Government to establish a Ministry of Veterinary Services and Livestock Development to accelerate the growth of the livestock sector and strengthen animal health, food safety and economic development.
The association made the appeal in a communiqué issued at the end of the Anambra Livestock Expo 2026, held at the Nnewi North Local Government Secretariat under the theme, “Ensuring and Sustaining the Availability of Animal Protein in the Diet of Our Local Communities.”
The communiqué, signed by the State Chairman of the association, Dr. Victor Ughaerumba, and the Assistant Secretary, Dr. Favour Okwaraeke, stated that creating a dedicated ministry would provide the institutional framework for improved policy formulation, strategic planning, funding, research, innovation and effective implementation of livestock development programmes.
According to the association, a specialised ministry would enhance livestock production and productivity, strengthen surveillance and control of animal diseases, improve veterinary public health and contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth and food security.
Dr. Ughaerumba noted that although the Ministry of Agriculture has continued to make commendable contributions to the agricultural sector, livestock development requires greater attention because of its critical role in nutrition, employment generation and public health.
He said establishing a dedicated ministry would mark a significant step towards repositioning the livestock industry, expanding opportunities for farmers, increasing animal protein production and attracting greater investment to the sector.
The association expressed concern over the poor state of government veterinary clinics across the state, calling for their urgent renovation and improved funding, urging the government to provide adequate manpower, essential veterinary drugs, modern diagnostic equipment and the operational support needed to deliver efficient veterinary services.
NVMA advocated the establishment of modern abattoirs equipped with standard processing facilities, functional cold chain systems, effective waste management infrastructure and strengthened veterinary meat inspection services to safeguard public health and ensure food safety.
The association appealed to the state government to provide operational vehicles to enhance field surveillance, disease monitoring and emergency response, noting that improved logistics would strengthen its capacity to support government efforts in promoting animal health, increasing livestock productivity and protecting public health.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the Anambra State Government and other stakeholders to develop a sustainable livestock sector capable of improving nutrition, creating jobs and contributing to the state’s economic development.
Stella Okpalaeze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
