The Nigeria Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Anambra State Chapter, has called on the state government to urgently rehabilitate dilapidated government-owned veterinary clinics, warning that poor veterinary infrastructure poses a threat to animal health, food safety and livestock production.
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, Dr. Victor Ughaerumba, and Assistant Secretary, Dr. Favour Okwaraeke, urged the government to renovate veterinary facilities, recruit more veterinary professionals, provide essential drugs and diagnostic equipment, and improve operational support for veterinary services across the state.
The association also advocated the establishment of modern abattoirs equipped with standard slaughter facilities, cold-chain systems, proper waste management infrastructure and efficient veterinary meat inspection services to enhance food safety and protect public health.
According to the veterinarians, providing operational vehicles would improve disease surveillance, emergency response, livestock extension services and other statutory responsibilities aimed at strengthening animal health and increasing livestock productivity.
The NVMA further renewed its call for the establishment of a Ministry of Veterinary Services and Livestock Development in Anambra State, arguing that the livestock sector requires dedicated institutional attention to unlock its economic potential.
The association maintained that a standalone ministry would promote effective policy implementation, increase investment in livestock development, strengthen disease control mechanisms and improve research and innovation within the sector.
Speaking on the resolution, the State Chairman of the association, Dr. Victor Ughaerumba, said the creation of the ministry would boost livestock production, enhance food security, improve public health and create greater economic opportunities for poultry farmers and other livestock producers across the state.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Anambra State Ministry of Agriculture, the association expressed optimism that stronger government support for veterinary services would significantly improve animal healthcare and contribute to sustainable agricultural development in the state.
