FMLD - INAUGURATE THE WORKING COMMITTEE FOR THE PROPOSED PERFORMANCE OF VETERINARY SERVICES (PVS) EVALUATION IN NIGERIA.

The Hon. Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Murkhtar Maiha has said that the inauguration of a technical Working Committee on the Proposed Performance Evaluation by the Ministry, has marked another significant step in our collective commitment, to strengthen Veterinary Services (VPS) Evaluation Mission , with  a view to focus on Pestle des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Nigeria.

The Minister disclosed this,  when the Inauguration Committee on the proposed PVS Evaluation, with special focus on PPR, paid a courtesy visit to his office, today 6th May 2026, in Abuja.

Murkhtar said that , the event marks another significant step in our collective commitment to strengthening Veterinary governance, improving animal health systems, safeguarding livelihoods, and enhancing food security in the country.

The Mission he said, was scheduled to take place in June, 2026, this represents a critical mile stone, in our collective efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s animal health system, and reposition the veterinary Services for improved performance, resilience, and global relevance for socio- economic development of the nation.

He equally recalled that Nigeria underwent a PVC evaluation last in 2019, which provided a comprehensive and objective assessment of our veterinary services, stressing that deliberate steps have been taken since then, to address identified gaps and improved    service delivery across the country. 

The Minister further said that, this follow-up mission is therefore not merely a routine exercise, but an opportunity to demonstrate progress, validate reforms, and identify areas that require further strengthening.

The Minister re-emphasized that PPR remains a disease of significant economic and food security importance, particularly for small holder farmers, stressing that Nigerians commitment to the global eradication of PPR must therefore be reflected not only in policy, but in measurable capacity across surveillance, vaccination, diagnosis, and response system , he added.

He specifically mandated the committee, to develop a clear roadmap and workplan for the evaluation process; facilitate data gathering and documentation required for the mission; to coordinate stakeholders’ engagement and inter-agency collaboration.

Thus ensuring timely communication with the WOAH team; to identify existing gaps and recommend immediate preparation actions; and finally promote nationwide awareness and participation among all relevant institutions and stakeholders service wide.

Muktar further added that,  strengthening of Veterinary Services is not merely an animal health issue, but a direct link to public health, food safety, economic stability, trade opportunities, and national development

In his words “effective veterinary systems, are indispensable to the health approach, particularly in an era, where emerging and re-emerging diseases, continue to pose global threats”.

The Minister ,commended all stakeholders for their support in advancement of Veterinary Services in Nigeria, which includes; our International Partners, Technical Agencies, State Governments, Veterinary Professionals, and Frontline Animal Health Workers, whose dedication continued to sustain diseases prevention and control efforts across the country.

He formally inaugurated the technical working committee for the proposed performance of Veterinary Services (PVS) Evaluation Mission in Nigeria with focus on “Peste des Petits” Ruminants (PPR).

HENRIETTA OKOKON
DD(PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS)
6th May, 2026.