Nigeria Forms Team to Save Sheep and Goats From Disease

Nigeria is taking bold action to protect the sheep and goats that millions of rural families rely on for survival.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development just created a National Technical Working Group of 33 experts to wipe out Peste des Petits Ruminants, a highly contagious disease devastating small livestock across the country. For countless rural communities, these animals aren't just livestock. They're lifelines that provide food, income, and financial security, especially for women, young people, and vulnerable families.

Minister Idi Mukhtar Maiha explained that controlling this disease goes far beyond animal health. It's about protecting food systems, preserving livelihoods, and strengthening Nigeria's position in regional and international livestock markets.

The disease hits pastoralists and smallholder farmers hardest, threatening the backbone of rural economies. Sheep and goats play a crucial role in household nutrition and give families a financial cushion during tough times.

The expert group will oversee disease prevention, support Nigeria's eradication roadmap, and strengthen vaccination and surveillance systems across the country. They'll also improve coordination between federal and state governments, research institutions, and private partners to ensure everyone works together effectively.

Dr. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, the ministry's Permanent Secretary, called the group the "technical backbone" of Nigeria's strategy to eliminate the disease entirely. The team will enhance diagnostic capabilities and data management to track progress and respond quickly to outbreaks.

The Ripple Effect

This initiative represents more than protecting animals. It's about lifting up entire communities whose economic stability depends on healthy livestock. When sheep and goats thrive, rural families gain reliable income sources and better nutrition. Eradicating this disease could open new export opportunities for Nigeria, connecting local farmers to broader markets and creating economic growth in areas that need it most.

The strategy aligns with Nigeria's larger goals of economic diversification and poverty reduction. By strengthening animal health systems now, the country is investing in long-term food security and rural prosperity.

Stakeholders from research institutions, veterinary services, farmers' associations, and development partners gathered in Abuja to support the launch, showing widespread commitment to making this vision reality. Nigeria is building a healthier future for its livestock and the millions who depend on them.