The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari has decried the contribution quota phase of livestock sector in the country, which he said it contributes only 10 per cent to the country’s agriculture Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Minister Kyari stated this on the occasion of the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) 70th Anniversary and Official Launch of the VCN digitisation projects.
The Minister however expressed optimism that the narrative will change when the veterinary profession is rid of quacks, and embrace Global strategies and development within the sector.
“As you are aware, despite the large livestock population in Nigeria, the country reaps only 10 per cent of its agricultural GDP in livestock. I believe we can change the narrative if the quality of our veterinary services is improved and the menace of quackery is checked.
“The introduction of this digital national veterinary practice licence, the veterinary seal and the geo-mapping in veterinary practice premises will greatly reduce quackery in Nigeria, and thereby increase productivity in our livestock sector,” stated the Minister.
He added that the tech innovations are aimed at creating a conducive environment for the transformation of the National animal health and veterinary practices ecosystem in line with global best practices.
He said it is only the qualified and registered veterinarians who are up to date in practice that will be issued the license and the seal.
The minister said his Ministry has identified a comprehensive livestock development program and therefore initiated the national livestock transformation plan.
In her remarks at the event the President of VCN, Aishatu Abubakar Baju stated that President Bola Tinubu issued a compelling challenge through the renewed hope agenda on national livestock.
