Mirian Gom 
SOKOTO, Nigeria – The Federal Government launches a nationwide mass animal vaccination campaign, deploying 18.2 million doses to curb transboundary diseases, protect livestock productivity and safeguard public health.
The exercise, implemented by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, despite only 20 states enrolling in the World Bank-supported Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES).
Speaking on Thursday at the flag-off ceremony in Sokoto State, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, says animal health remains a national priority.
“The Federal Government is determined to protect Nigeria’s livestock industry because animal health is directly linked to food security, economic growth and the wellbeing of our people,” Maiha says.
He explains that the vaccination drive targets Foot-and-Mouth Disease, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, Peste des Petits Ruminants and Newcastle Disease—ailments responsible for significant economic losses.
According to the minister, the initiative represents a major step towards building a resilient and sustainable livestock production system capable of withstanding disease outbreaks.
As part of broader reforms, the Federal Government inaugurated the third L-PRES Model Veterinary Hospital in Sokoto, one of 21 planned nationwide.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, describes the facility as transformative for animal healthcare delivery. “This hospital will strengthen disease surveillance, improve response time and support our livestock farmers, especially in rural communities,” the governor says.
The facility includes ambulatory units designed to deliver emergency veterinary services to remote areas.
Federal officials say the combination of mass vaccination and modern veterinary infrastructure reflects a strategic push to modernise the livestock sector, enhance food safety and protect livelihoods nationwide.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Hussaini Ibrahim