Lagos State has launched Nigeria’s first tele-veterinary call centre, known as TELE-VET, introducing a digital service designed to expand access to professional animal health care for farmers and pet owners across the state.
Speaking at the launch event held at the ministry’s Animal Hospital in Oko-Oba, Agege, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, described TELE-VET as a step forward for animal health delivery.
She stated that the service would help address gaps in veterinary access while supporting Lagos’ wider efforts to modernise food systems through digital technology.
Olusanya explained that TELE-VET builds on existing platforms, M-Agric and M-Health, available via MTN and Glo networks, which provide daily expert guidance and mentorship.
By dialling *20791#, subscribers can access the service for ₦100 per day, ₦300 per week, or ₦500 per month, with all active subscribers able to call the TELE-VET centre at no additional cost.
According to the commissioner, the platform offers emergency support, first-aid advice, disease prevention information, livestock management guidance and pet care assistance.
She noted that the digital system reduces travel time and costs for farmers, while improving access to timely, professional veterinary services.
Olusanya added that TELE-VET would significantly enhance disease surveillance and early detection of zoonotic threats, aligning with the One World, One Health approach, which connects human, animal and environmental health.
She stated that the project sets the foundation for future advancements, such as livestock and pet health insurance, e-commerce for veterinary supplies and improved animal-transport systems, positioning Lagos as a national leader in technology-enabled agriculture.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Emmanuel Audu, hailed the call centre as a critical investment in Lagos’ food security architecture.
He stated that the ministry had strengthened infrastructure, upgraded technical systems and expanded the workforce to operate a modern, fully equipped veterinary hub.
Audu emphasised that TELE-VET meets the growing demand for quick, reliable veterinary support, ensuring farmers receive timely information to improve livestock productivity and reduce animal losses.
He noted that the platform will enhance advisory services across all 57 local government areas and local council development areas (LCDAs), reinforcing sustainable agricultural practices.
He praised the collaboration among veterinary experts, ICT partners and technical teams, adding that the ministry remains committed to continuous upgrades to expand TELE-VET’s service offerings.
Audu encouraged Lagos residents to embrace the platform, stressing that its success depends on widespread participation.
The Director of Veterinary Services, Dr Rasheed Macaulay, said TELE-VET marks a new era in veterinary care delivery in Lagos.
He explained that the system addresses challenges such as limited manpower, slow emergency response and the difficulty of reaching farmers in remote communities.
By directly connecting users to certified veterinarians, the platform enables real-time consultations and faster escalation of critical cases.
Macaulay added that TELE-VET will strengthen state-wide disease surveillance, support better documentation and improve reporting mechanisms, all of which contribute to safer livestock production and healthier food systems.
Source: The Nation Online
Image Credit: Independent News
