The Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Anambra State Chapter, has called for the establishment of a Ministry of Veterinary Services and Livestock Development to ensure sustainable growth of the sector in the state.
NVMA argued that the establishment of the ministry became necessary to facilitate focused planning, funding, policy implementation, innovation and enhanced research.
This is contained in a communique issued by the association at the end of its “Anambra Livestock Expo 2026” held at Nnewi North Local Government Secretariat with the theme “Ensuring and Sustaining The Availability of Animal Protein In The Diet of Our Local Communities”
According to the communique signed by Dr Victor Ughaerumba and Dr Favour Okwaraeke, State Chairman and Assistant Secretary respectively, it noted that creation of the ministry will play a significant role in transforming the state economy.
The association noted that it had been engaging with government officials on the need to create the ministry to enhance increased livestock production and productivity, surveillance and control of animal diseases.
According to the body, the gap in the current system often placed greater emphasis on crop production with comparatively less attention given to livestock production, veterinary public health, disease control, and animal welfare.
Dr. Ughaerumba, who stressed that livestock production and disease control deserved stronger recognition because of its direct connection to nutrition and food security, however, acknowledged the commendable efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Chairman affirmed that establishing the ministry would be a landmark intervention by the state government to reshape the livestock sector, boost economic activities, and expand income opportunities for poultry farmers across the state.
While underscoring the importance of creating the ministry, it expressed grave concern over the deplorable condition of government veterinary clinics, urging for urgent renovation, adequate manpower, essential drugs, diagnostic facilities and improved operational support.
NVMA further called on the state government to establish modern abattoirs equipped with standard facilities, cold chain systems, proper waste management infrastructure, and effective veterinary meat inspection services.
The association also appealed to the state government to support it with operational vehicles to enhance the effective discharge of its professional responsibilities and public service mandate across the state.
“Operational vehicles will strengthen our capacity to support the government in promoting animal health, safeguarding public health, ensuring food safety, improving livestock productivity”
