The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock sector with the completion and handover of new Veterinary Primary Health Centres in Lagos and Ogun States, a move expected to improve animal healthcare, boost agribusiness productivity, and support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the livestock value chain.
The newly commissioned centres, located in Epe, Lagos State, and Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, are part of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development’s broader initiative to establish 774 Veterinary Primary Health Centres across Nigeria’s local government areas. The project is designed to bring veterinary services closer to livestock farmers while strengthening disease prevention, surveillance, and animal healthcare delivery nationwide.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, represented by the Director of Animal Health and Reproductive Services, Dr. Alao Mitchell, stated that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s strategy to modernise the livestock industry and improve food security. According to him, accessible veterinary services are critical to improving livestock productivity, reducing disease outbreaks, and supporting rural economic growth.
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The government also revealed that seven model veterinary hospitals have already been completed across states including Sokoto, Niger, Enugu, Ondo, Borno, Adamawa, and Edo, while additional centres are currently under construction nationwide. Officials say the infrastructure expansion will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem and create new opportunities for agribusiness entrepreneurs, veterinary professionals, feed suppliers, processors, transporters, and SMEs linked to livestock production.
Experts within the sector believe the investment could significantly reduce livestock losses caused by preventable diseases, one of the major challenges affecting farmers and agribusiness operators in Nigeria. Improved veterinary healthcare is also expected to support safer food production, enhance market competitiveness, and improve export potential within the livestock industry.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development has continued to push reforms targeted at repositioning veterinary services as a key driver of economic development. Earlier this year, the government adopted a 10-year national veterinary roadmap focused on improving disease surveillance, strengthening laboratory systems, expanding veterinary infrastructure, and enhancing public-private collaboration within the livestock ecosystem.
Industry stakeholders say the expansion of veterinary centres could help unlock new investment opportunities in Nigeria’s livestock value chain, especially as demand for meat, dairy, poultry, and animal products continues to grow. Analysts also note that SMEs operating in agriculture and livestock production stand to benefit from healthier animals, improved productivity, and reduced operational losses.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader ambition to transform livestock into a major contributor to Nigeria’s non-oil economy while improving food security, job creation, and rural development across the country.
