Nigeria Opens 774 Vet Centres for Livestock Farmers

Livestock farmers across Nigeria are getting something they've needed for years: veterinary care they can actually reach and afford.

The Federal Government just opened new Veterinary Primary Health Centres in Lagos and Ogun states, with plans to build 774 centres total. That's one for every local government area in the country.

The two newest centres opened in Epe, Lagos and Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State this month. They're part of a massive nationwide effort by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to transform how farmers access animal healthcare.

For smallholder farmers who raise cattle, goats, sheep, and chickens, veterinary support has always been out of reach. Now the government is bringing those services to their doorstep.

"The initiative was designed to bring veterinary services closer to livestock farmers and improve disease prevention, surveillance and control," said Dr. Alao Mitchell, Director of Animal Health and Reproductive Services. The programme also aims to boost livestock productivity and strengthen food security across Nigeria.

Seven model veterinary hospitals are already finished in Sokoto, Niger, Enugu, Ondo, Borno, Adamawa, and Edo states. Another 14 centres are currently under construction as the programme rolls out in phases across 20 states.

The government isn't doing this alone. They're partnering with state governments and private sector operators through Public-Private Partnership arrangements to make sure the centres stay running efficiently for the long haul.

The Ripple Effect

The impact goes far beyond individual farms. Within just two years of operation, these veterinary centres are expected to serve over 450,000 livestock value chain clusters.

Better animal health means healthier herds, which means more milk, meat, and eggs reaching Nigerian families. When livestock stays healthy, farmers earn stable incomes and food prices stay affordable for everyone.

The centres will provide affordable healthcare services for livestock farmers and other value chain operators who've been locked out of veterinary support for too long.

A healthier livestock sector strengthens the entire food system from farm to table.