FG Launches Coordinated Multi-State Offensive Against Tsetse-Borne Diseases to Safeguard National Livestock and Public Health

The Nigerian Government, through the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, has intensified a coordinated, science-driven campaign across the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, and Ogun States to combat the persistent threat of tsetse fly infestation and the diseases it transmits.

This multi-state intervention, executed simultaneously from Monday 20th - Friday 24th April, 2026 across key grazing reserves, rural livestock settlements, and high-risk corridors, signals a decisive move in the nation’s commitment to protecting livestock productivity, securing rural livelihoods, and strengthening public health outcomes under a unified national framework.

Across the three states, Federal teams have deployed an integrated strategy combining surveillance, community engagement, and targeted vector control. 

The field operations include  strategic placement of biconical traps to determine tsetse fly prevalence, fumigation of high-risk zones, insecticide application on livestock and breeding grounds, and widespread sensitisation of pastoral communities.

In the Federal Capital Territory, operations at the Paikon kore Grazing Reserve which is home to over 15,000 cattle, have focused on structured epidemiological assessment, with traps positioned at calibrated intervals of 500 meters to generate actionable data for precision response. 

Deputy Director and FCT Coordinator, Federal Epidemiology Unit, Dr. Ozoemena Uche, emphasised the broader health implications of the exercise when he explained that, “Tsetse flies transmit trypanosomiasis, which affects both animals and humans. Our goal is to reduce its impact on livestock productivity and prevent associated public health risks.”

Also speaking, Manager of the Paikon Kore Grazing Reserve, Mohammed Abubakar Bala, highlighted additional concerns, “We are also dealing with diseases like foot-and-mouth and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia. We need sustained veterinary support and access to vaccines to protect our livestock.”

In Kogi State, surveillance and control activities spanned six local government areas - six local government areas, Adavi, Lokoja, Koton Karfe, Ajaokuta, Ofu, and Idah. The State’s Commissioner for Livestock Development, Olufemi Bolarin, noted that Kogi’s central location makes it a critical point in disease control and success recorded in the state would have a ripple effect across the country.

On her part, the Kogi State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Abba Helen, called for grassroots cooperation, as she urged communities in the affected local government areas to support the efforts of the Federal Government as this is key to achieving lasting results.

Team Lead of the Tsetse Fly Surveillance and Ground Control Programme in the state, Abdulkadiri Adaji, spoke on the urgency of the intervention, “The prevalence of tsetse flies continues to impact livestock production and livelihoods. This exercise is critical to generating data and implementing control measures that will reverse this trend,” adding that “diseases transmitted by animals can affect humans and so addressing this challenge is essential not just for agriculture, but for national health security.”

In Ogun State, operations have been carried out across key livestock settlements, including Owowo RUGA Community (Ewekoro LGA), Alamutu RUGA Community (Abeokuta North LGA), and Alabata RUGA Settlement (Odeda LGA).

Representing the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Taiwo Jolaoso, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening veterinary services by introducing initiatives like free vaccination to support farmers and improve livestock productivity.

State Coordinator, Dr. Toyin Ayo-Ajayi, stressed the importance of collaboration with state governments to ensure alignment of efforts and sustainability of these interventions, while Team Lead, Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Gilbert Okoro, highlighted the dual approach adopted.

 “We are deploying both physical and chemical control methods. Traps are used to capture the flies, while insecticides are applied to eliminate those not caught. This aligns with the One Health approach ensuring that human health, animal health, and environmental safety are addressed together, "he added.

The Head, Pest Control Services at the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chuka Ikejiaku, said the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development will continue to expand these efforts nationwide and called on all stakeholders to sustain cooperation in achieving a tsetse-free and disease-resilient Nigeria.

Henrietta Okokon,
Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations
24th April, 2026.