The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association has raised concerns over the growing abuse of veterinary drugs and the increasing presence of unqualified practitioners in the animal health sector, warning that the trend could worsen antimicrobial resistance, threaten livestock production, and create serious risks for Nigeria’s food supply chain.
Speaking during the recent World Veterinary Day 2026 event themed “Veterinarians; Guardians of Food & Health,” the association’s National President, Moses Arokoyo, stated that the misuse of veterinary drugs and the activities of quacks are weakening animal health systems and could lead to avoidable losses for livestock farmers.
He warned that improper treatment of animals could contribute to antimicrobial resistance, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks that could affect both animals and humans.
The association also raised concerns about what it described as structural neglect in Nigeria’s veterinary system, calling for the full implementation of the National Veterinary Policy, proper staffing of veterinary departments at state and local government levels, and increased funding for critical interventions that support livestock health and food production.
Arokoyo said stronger veterinary systems are necessary to protect farmers, improve livestock productivity, and reduce the economic losses that often result from preventable animal diseases.
He called for routine vaccination programmes, rehabilitation of abattoirs, and stronger antimicrobial resistance surveillance systems, warning that failure to close these gaps could expose the country to disease outbreaks, food shortages, and wider economic setbacks.
He also stressed the need for stricter regulation of veterinary services, stronger professional accountability, and improved mentorship for younger veterinarians entering the profession.
According to Arokoyo, veterinarians play a critical role across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, particularly in livestock production, disease prevention, food safety, and public health protection.
“From farm to fork, from laboratory to legislation, the veterinary profession underpins the safety, security and sustainability of food systems while standing as the first line of defence against zoonotic disease threats,” he said.
He explained that veterinary professionals are involved in livestock production, abattoir inspections, laboratory testing, disease surveillance systems, and policy development that help protect the country’s food systems.
Arokoyo also noted that the global health system is increasingly operating within a One Health framework, where diseases can move quickly between animals, humans, and the environment.
He said veterinarians now play a more important role in outbreak prevention, food safety monitoring, vaccination campaigns, and surveillance systems designed to stop future pandemics.
This, he said, places veterinary medicine at the centre of national health security and agricultural sustainability.
“Let today be more than a commemoration. Let it be a recommitment to excellence, to One Health, and to the people and animals we serve,” he added.
