The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards transforming the country’s livestock sector with the launch of the 2026 Trans-Boundary Animal Diseases Vaccination and the commissioning of the L-PRES Model Veterinary Hospital in Sokoto State.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idris Muktari Maiha, flagged off the nationwide livestock vaccination campaign in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria.
He explained that the initiative would be implemented across all states through trained veterinary teams, adding that the government was committed to ensuring that no community was left behind.
He commended the Sokoto State Government for its collaboration and support to federal livestock programmes.
He urged livestock owners to present their animals for vaccination and to cooperate with veterinary officers during the exercise.
The minister expressed delight in commissioning the L-PRES Model Veterinary Hospital, describing it as a state-of-the-art facility that would provide quality veterinary services to farmers and pastoralists.
He further urged the hospital’s management and staff to ensure best practices in delivering veterinary services, emphasizing that the hospital should provide quality services that meet the needs of farmers and pastoralists.
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In his remarks, the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, expressed gratitude that Sokoto was chosen as the host state for the national flag-off.
He described the programme as timely, coming at a period when livestock diseases had caused significant losses to pastoralists and farmers.
Governor Aliyu highlighted the state’s efforts to improve animal health services, including the upgrading of veterinary clinics and the recruitment of additional veterinary officers.
He assured that the state government would continue to partner with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and partners to modernize livestock production.
The governor also expressed delight in the commissioning of the L-PRES Model Veterinary Hospital, describing it as a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to improve veterinary services.
He noted that the hospital would provide quality veterinary care to farmers and pastoralists and contribute to the growth and development of the livestock sector.
Providing Quality Veterinary Services
Speaking the Sultan of Sokoto, represented by the District Head of Kilgori, Dr. Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori, expressed his support for the programme and commended the Federal Government for its efforts to improve the livestock sector.
The National Coordinator of L-PRES, Dr. Sanusi Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the Governor and the Federal Government for their support and commitment to developing the livestock sector.
Sanusi Abubakar noted that the L-PRES Model Veterinary Hospital was a key component of the programme, designed to provide quality veterinary services to farmers and pastoralists.
He said the nationwide vaccination campaign is expected to cover millions of animals and will be accompanied by public sensitization on animal health, biosecurity, and disease reporting.
The National Coordinator explained that the L-PRES Model Veterinary Hospital is expected to bring numerous benefits to the state, including improved delivery of veterinary services and increased productivity and competitiveness of the livestock sector.
“With the flag-off of the 2026 Trans-Boundary Animal Diseases Vaccination, the state is taking a proactive approach to addressing the challenges facing the livestock sector.” he added.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the programme would boost meat and milk production, enhance trade, and contribute significantly to national food security.