Stakeholders Meet Ahead of 28th CODEX Veterinary Drugs Forum

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development convened a national preparatory meeting ahead of the 28th session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food (CCVRDF28), scheduled to hold from 23rd - 27th May 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America.

The preparatory meeting which held on Tuesday 17th March, 2026, brought together representatives from key institutions, including the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Directors, and senior staff of the Ministry of Livestock Development and other key stakeholders. 
 
Declaring the meeting open, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria and Chairman of the Ministerial Codex Committee, Dr. Samuel Anzaku, noted that the forum provides Nigeria with a platform to review the technical agenda of the upcoming international session, harmonise national positions, and ensure coordinated representation on key issues related to veterinary drug residues. 

“This meeting enables Nigeria to consolidate its positions on veterinary drug residues, ensuring that our contributions at the global stage reflect the interests and priorities of our country,” he explained. 

He noted that veterinary drugs play a vital role in animal health and productivity, adding that proper regulation and monitoring are essential to protect consumers and maintain confidence in foods of animal origin.

The Director-General of SON, who was represented by the Head of Standards Development, Yunusa Mohammed, commended the Ministry for convening the meeting, noting that it demonstrates a strong commitment to international food safety governance. 

He highlighted that active engagement in CODEX ensures national perspectives are represented in global standards, while fostering a coordinated, whole-of-government approach encompassing food safety regulations, veterinary drug control, residue monitoring, and aquaculture oversight.

Mohammed also confirmed that representatives from NAFDAC and the Federal Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture are registered to participate in CCRVDF28, reflecting readiness to contribute technical expertise and safeguard national interests.

Other Stakeholders stressed the importance of harmonised national policies, enhanced inter-agency coordination, and effective monitoring frameworks. They highlighted the need for harmonised technical positions, robust residue monitoring, and adherence to international standards to protect consumers and support Nigeria’s competitiveness in global livestock trade.

The meeting provided a forum to align inter-agency coordination, strengthen veterinary public health systems, and consolidate technical positions ahead of the Minneapolis session. Participants engaged in discussions on sampling methods, residue monitoring, risk management, and the responsible use of veterinary drugs.

Oghenekevwe Uchechukwu
Head, Press and Public Relations
17th March 2026